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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Wendy Alexander Welcomes Rise In Scottish GDP

01/11/2000

Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Wendy Alexander has welcomed a rise in the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for Scotland ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00039-00.asp).

Data published today by the Scottish Executive shows that GDP in Scotland increased by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2000.

Commenting on the figures, Ms Alexander said:

"The encouraging rise in GDP for the second quarter of 2000 is another indicator that the Scottish economy is performing robustly.

"We can take great satisfaction from the fact that this growth is being achieved at a time when unemployment is at its lowest for a generation and employment is at its highest since 1960.

"The Scottish Executive's long-term aim is to sustain this and it is encouraging that independent commentators expect to see above trend growth next year.

"Our principal tool for encouraging growth will be the Framework for Economic Development, which promotes policies to enhance competitiveness and productivity. Together this will drive the engine of social justice for all across Scotland."

The main findings of the latest figures are:

  • GDP (seasonally adjusted, including the extraction of oil and gas) for Scotland rose by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2000.
  • Comparison between Scotland and the UK is best done on the basis of GDP (seasonally adjusted, excluding the extraction of oil and gas). This rose by 0.6 per cent in 2000 Q2. In the 4 quarters to 2000 Q2 (compared with the 4 quarters to 1999 Q2) it rose by 2.0 per cent. The equivalent UK figures were 0.8 per cent and 2.7 per cent, respectively.
  • In the 4 quarters to 2000 Q2, output in the Scottish service sector grew by 1.8 per cent, compared with 1.6 per cent in the production sector and 8.1 per cent in construction. The equivalent figures for the UK were 3.2 per cent (services), 1.6 per cent (production) and 2.7 per cent (construction).
  • In the 4 quarters to 2000 Q2, output in the production sector (excluding oil and gas) in Scotland increased by 1.4 per cent, compared with the 4 quarters to 1999 Q2. In 2000 Q2, output in the production sector (excluding oil and gas) increased by 0.8 per cent, compared with the preceding quarter. The equivalent figures for the UK were 1.5 per cent and 1.0 per per cent, respectively.
BACKGROUND
  1. Data for Scottish GDP for the period up to 2000 Quarter 2 incorporates details of the Index of Production.
  2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measure of the value of goods and services produced by residents, before allowing for depreciation or capital consumption. Net receipts from interest, profits and dividends abroad are excluded.
  3. Tables to accompany this news release are available on the Scottish Executive website.

Mercury / Profile users may obtain a copy of the tables by calling the number below.

Issued by

Economics Advice and Statistics Division
Scottish Executive Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department
Meridian Court, Cadogan Street,
Glasgow, G2 6AT
Statistician : Hugh McAloon 0141-242-5497

News Release: SE2805/2000
1 Nov 2000

Page updated: Monday, July 30, 2007