Reference  C-0104

Date  15 January 2004

NEW CONSTRUCTION ORDERS: NOVEMBER 2003

Orders in the twelve months to November 2003 rose by two per cent compared to orders in the previous twelve months, and orders in the three months to November 2003 fell by two per cent compared to the same three months a year earlier. Orders in the three months to November 2003 rose by six per cent compared to the previous three months, with increases in all sectors except infrastructure.  All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices. 

Private housing orders in the twelve months to November 2003 rose by seven per cent compared to the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to November 2003 rose by seven per cent compared with the previous three months, and by four per cent compared with the same three months a year earlier.  Public housing and housing association orders in the twelve months to November 2003 rose by 12 per cent when compared to the previous twelve months.  Public housing and housing association orders in the three months to November 2003 rose by 23 per cent compared to the previous three months, and rose by 42 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 twelve months to November 2003 decreased by 15 per cent compared with the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to November 2003 fell by 22 per cent compared with the previous three months, and were 29 per cent lower than in the same three months a year earlier.

Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the twelve months to November 2003 rose by 35 per cent when compared with the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to November 2003 rose by 19 per cent compared with the previous period, and were 25 per cent higher compared to the same three months a year earlier. 

Private commercial orders in the twelve months to November 2003 fell by 10 per cent compared to the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to November 2003 were four per cent higher compared to the previous period, and were 13 per cent lower than in the same three months a year earlier.

Private industrial orders in the twelve months to November 2003 were unchanged compared with the previous twelve months.  Orders in the three months to November 2003 rose by 19 per cent compared to the previous period, and were eight per cent higher compared to the same three months twelve months earlier.

Tables

Graphs

NOTES TO EDITORS

1.      Because monthly figures are variable, especially for individual sectors, attention is directed to the latest three months. 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: 12 February 2004.

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