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Reference C-0506 |
NEW CONSTRUCTION ORDERS: March 2006
Orders in the year to March 2006 rose by eight per cent compared to orders in the previous twelve month period, and orders in the first quarter of 2006 rose by six per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Orders in the first quarter of 2006 fell by one per cent compared to the previous quarter, due to a fall in all sectors except private commercial and public non-housing orders. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices. The deflators used for private industrial orders have been revised from 2004 onwards to reflect better data that have emerged. These have also contributed to a slight revision to infrastructure orders as well as overall total orders. Private housing orders in the year to March 2006 rose by four per cent compared to those in the previous year. Orders in the first quarter of 2006 fell by two per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by three per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier. Public housing and housing association orders rose by 12 per cent in the year to March 2006 compared with the previous year. Public housing and housing association orders in the first quarter of 2006 fell by 23 per cent compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 27 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier. All comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size. Infrastructure orders in the year to March 2006 rose by 12 per cent compared with the previous twelve month period. Orders in the first quarter of 2006 fell by 35 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by 33 per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the year to March 2006 fell by eight per cent compared with the previous twelve month period. Orders in the first quarter of 2006 rose by 10 per cent compared with the previous quarter, but fell by three per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Private commercial orders in the year to March 2006 were 12 per cent higher than in the previous year. Orders in the first quarter of 2006 rose by 18 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 27 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.
Private industrial orders in the year to March
2006 rose by 30 per cent compared to the
previous year. Orders in the first quarter of
2006 fell by 16 per cent compared to the
previous quarter, but rose by 26 per cent
compared to the same period a year earlier. NOTES TO EDITORS1. Because monthly figures are variable, especially for individual sectors, attention is directed to the latest quarter. Even this comparison may be affected by exceptionally high or low results. 2. Figures for individual sectors can be affected by exceptionally large contracts. 3. Current price figures (table 3A) are adjusted - using information on the movement of tender prices - to produce constant price figures (tables 1 and 2) which provide a measure of volume. 4. A regional breakdown of orders at current prices is published every quarter, i.e. for March, June, September and December. 5. Additional graphs showing more detailed trends in individual sectors are included in the Statistical Release. 6. National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure they meet customer needs. 7. Next publication date of New Construction Orders Statistical Release: 8 June 2006.
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Department of Trade and Industry |
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Table 1 - Volume of New Orders obtained by Contractors
(CPSA=100) |
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