Housing continues to be a major strength of the construction industry, newly-published DTI figures show.
Private housing orders rose by 13% in the 12 months to September 2004, compared to a year ago, with third quarter instructions up 30% on the same period in 2003.
Orders in the public housing sector jumped 17% for the year and by 29% in the third quarter.
Overall construction orders rose by 2% during the 12 months and by 1% in the third quarter.
Infrastructure and public non-housing construction suffered but private commerical work rose by 12% for the year.
