There was a much stronger response in the growth data from the Office of National Statistics. It gives the impression that the UK economy may not be as doomed as feared. Yet experts warn this will probably be as good as it gets for awhile.

The growth figures did ease fears of a "double dip" recession. The fear is still strong to the hundreds of thousands that may loose their jobs due to Budget cuts.

The City has forecasted the UK economy would grow by 0.6 per cent in the second quarter. There was an actual 1.1 per cent increase in the gross domestic product (GDP). This is the fastest pace growth since first quarter of 2006.

The data strengthened the sterling. The pound was up two cents trading at $1.5440 and also strengthened against the Euro.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have stressed their opinion that there would be little growth between the second and third quarters.

The data should strengthen the opinion of those that believed a rise in the Base Rate was necessary.

When data like this is released it usually builds confidence in the consumer. It may be many will decide to move ahead in purchasing homes and consumer goods. In turn, the economy would be more capable of holding off the dreaded "double dip".

Hetal Mehta, a senior economic advisor with Ernst and Young said: "The second quarter is likely to represent the high point of quarterly growth as fiscal tightening and a renewed slowdown in global activity constrains a more robust recovery."

"This preliminary estimate does not radically change the basic picture of a patchy recovery that will only pickup speed gradually."