UK economy grew 0.1 pct February, April

LONDON, June 14 (KUNA) -- Britain's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.1 pct only between last February and April but enough to avoid a contraction in local economy which was expected last year.

Monthly growth for last April amounted to 0.2 pct while in the previous month it reached 0.3 pct, according to The Office for National Statistics (ONS). The positive growth is attributed to the service industry which represents three-quarters of the British economy and has achieved a growth rate of 0.3 percent in April while both the industrial and construction sectors' growth declined by 0.3 and 0.7 pct respectively, indicated (ONS) The Bank of England had expected in previous reports that the British economy would enter a recession phase this year, affected by the high inflation rate, which currently stands at 8.7 percent, that caused the high cost of living and the decline in consumption. (end) mrn.sa.