The following is an unedited transcript of the news release from the UK National Statistics.



The preliminary estimate shows that the chained volume measure of gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the previous quarter. This is the same growth as for gross value added.

The volume of output in the production industries is estimated to have decreased by 0.1 per cent this quarter. Manufacturing output increased by 0.5 per cent. Mining and quarrying decreased by 5.2 per cent and Electricity, gas and water supply decreased by 1.2 per cent. Output of the service industries is estimated to have increased by 0.6 per cent.

Distribution, hotels and restaurants

Output within distribution, hotels and restaurants increased by 0.9 per cent compared with an increase of 0.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2007. Retailing made the largest contribution to both the overall growth and acceleration. This was partially offset by slower wholesaling growth.

Transport, storage and communication

Output within transport, storage and communication increased by 1.0 per cent compared with an increase of 1.7 per cent in the previous quarter. Post and telecommunications made the largest contribution to the deceleration in growth.

Business services and finance

Output of business services and finance increased by 0.4 per cent, compared with 0.6 per cent in the fourth quarter. The deceleration was due mainly to weaker growth in other business services. Activities auxiliary to financial intermediation made the largest contribution to growth.

Government and other services

Output growth of government and other services was 0.4 per cent, compared with 0.7 per cent in the previous quarter. The largest contribution to the deceleration in growth was from other services.


Available at:

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/gdp0408.pdf