The DTI has released the latest construction order figures for the third quarter of 2001.
According to the figures construction orders in the year to the third quarter of 2001 rose by 2% compared to the previous year, and third quarter orders in 2001 rose by 6% compared to the same period last year.

Encouragingly, orders rose by 11% on the second quarter of this year, with rises in the infrastructure, private commercial and private housing sectors more than offsetting falls in the public housing, public-non housing and private industrial sectors.

Particularly impressive were infrastructure orders, which were 37% higher than the second quarter of 2001. Third quarter orders rose by 9% compared with the previous 12 months.

Market fluctuation is evident from public non-housing orders, which were 12% lower than the previous quarter, but 21% higher than the same quarter last year.

A comprehensive analysis can be obtained by visiting www.dti.gov.uk/construction/stats/output.htm.