DTI reports on construction orders

The second quarter of 2006 saw construction orders in the private-commercial sector surge by 26% compared with the previous 12 months, according for figures from the Department of Trade & Industry. Orders were also a massive 48% up on the same quarter a year earlier. However, the pace of growth is slowing down, with the increase in orders being just 9% higher than the previous quarter. All figures are seasonally adjusted and in constant prices (2000). The slowdown continues in the private industrial sector, with a 24% fall compared with the previous quarter and 13% on the corresponding quarter a year earlier. Year-on-year figures are still, however, 17% higher. Orders for public housing and housing associations saw substantial growth. Figures for the quarter were 34% up on the same period a year earlier. Year-on-year figures were 24% higher.