Orders in the twelve months to August 2007 rose by two per cent compared with the previous twelve months, but orders in the three months to August 2007 fell by three per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. Orders in the three months to August 2007 fell by eight percent compared to the previous three months, with decreases in public housing, private housing and private commercial sectors more than offsetting an increase in private industrial sectors. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.


All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.

Private housing orders in the twelve months to August 2007 were unchanged compared to those in the previous twelve months. Orders in the three months to August 2007 fell by 20 per cent compared with the previous three months, and by 17 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier.

Public housing and housing association orders rose by 15 per cent in the twelve months to August 2007 compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the three months to August 2007 fell by 20 per cent compared to the previous three months, and by eight per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. All comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size.

Infrastructure orders in the twelve months to August 2007 rose by three per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the three months to August 2007 were unchanged compared with the previous three months, but rose by five per cent when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the twelve months to August 2007 rose by eight per cent compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the three months to August 2007 were unchanged compared with the previous three months, but rose by 15 per cent when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Private commercial orders in the twelve months to August 2007 were one per cent higher than in the previous twelve months. Orders in the three months to August 2007 were five per cent lower compared to the previous three months, and fell by one per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.

Private industrial orders in the twelve months to August 2007 fell by light per cent compared to the previous year. Orders in the three months to August 2007 rose by one per cent compared to the previous three months, but fell by six per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.