Feb 13 2005
Orders in 2004 rose by six per cent compared with 2003, and orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 rose by 11 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 rose by four per cent compared to the previous quarter, with increases in all sectors except public and private housing orders. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.
Private housing orders in 2004 rose by 16 per cent compared to those in 2003. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 fell by four per cent compared with the previous quarter, but rose by 11 per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
Public housing and housing association orders rose by 17 per cent in 2004 compared with 2003. Public housing and housing association orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 fell by seven per cent compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 23 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 2004 decreased by 28 per cent compared with 2003. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 rose by 12 per cent compared with the previous quarter, but fell by four per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in 2004 rose by six per cent compared with 2003. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 rose by 19 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and were 15 per cent higher compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Private commercial orders in 2004 were 19 per cent higher than in 2003. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 remained broadly unchanged compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 17 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Private industrial orders in 2004 fell by 10 per cent compared to the previous year. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2004 rose by 18 per cent compared to the previous quarter, but fell by five per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.