Orders in the year to May 2007 rose by five per cent compared to orders in
the previous twelve month period, and orders in the three months to May 2007
rose by six per cent compared to the same three months a year earlier. Orders
in the three months to May 2007 rose by seven per cent compared to the previous
three months, due to rises in private commercial, public non housing and private
housing orders. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant
(2000) prices.
Private housing orders in the year to May 2007 rose by three per cent compared
to those in the previous year. Orders in the three months to May 2007 rose by
eight per cent compared with the previous three months, and by 13 per cent compared
with the same three months a year earlier.
Public housing and housing association orders rose by 23 per cent in the year
to May 2007 compared with the previous year. Public housing and housing association
orders in the three months to May 2007 fell by nine per cent compared to the
previous three months, and by one per cent compared to the same three months
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 May 2007 fell by six per cent compared
with the previous twelve month period. Orders in the three months to May 2007
fell by 28 per cent compared with the previous three months, but rose by two
per cent when compared to the same three months a year earlier.
Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the year to May 2007
were unchanged compared with the previous twelve month period. Orders in the
three months to May 2007 rose by 16 per cent compared with the previous three
months, and by 24 per cent when compared to the same three months a year earlier.
Private commercial orders in the year to May 2007 were 12 per cent higher than
in the previous year. Orders in the three months to May 2007 rose by 27 per
cent compared to the previous three months, and by two per cent compared to
the same period a year earlier.
Private industrial orders in the year to May 2007 fell by six per cent compared
to the previous year. Orders in the three months to May 2007 fell by 20 per
cent compared to the previous three months, and by 15 per cent compared to the
same period a year earlier.