The output of the production industries was flat in the latest quarter compared to a fall of 0.2 per cent in the previous quarter. The output of manufacturing fell by 0.3 per cent and output of utilities rose by 1.3 per cent. Mining and quarrying output rose by 1.3 per cent.
Growth in the service sector rose by 0.8 per cent in the first quarter, compared to the rise of 0.9 per cent in the previous quarter. Output of the business and finance sector rose by 1.0 per cent. Output of the distribution sector rose by 0.9 per cent, with strength in hotels and catering.