GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE-4TH QUARTER 2005.

(From Government News Network (Was Hermes-Government Press Releases))

] NATIONAL STATISTICS gdp 25 January 2006 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE - 4TH QUARTER 2005

Coverage United Kingdom Theme The Economy

The preliminary estimate shows that the chained volume measure of gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.6 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2005 compared with the previous quarter. This is the same growth as for gross value added. For the year 2005 as a whole, growth of 1.8 per cent is estimated over 2004

The volume of output in the production industries is estimated to have decreased by 0.6 per cent this quarter. Manufacturing output has decreased by 0.8 per cent. Mining and quarrying increased by 1.3 per cent and electricity, gas and water supply decreased by 0.2 per cent.

Output of the service industries is estimated to have increased by 0.9 per cent this quarter.

Distribution, hotels and restaurants

Output within distribution, hotels and restaurants increased by 1.2 per cent on the previous quarter. There was increased output within retail, wholesale and hotels and restaurants.

Transport, storage and communication

Output within transport, storage and communication increased by 1.1 per cent. Output increased across the transport industries and within post and telecommunication.

Business services and finance

Output of business services and finance increased by 1.1 …