An indicator of demand expectations in French manufacturing industry rose to +11 in April from +4 in January, according to a quarterly survey of industrialists carried out by the statistics office Insee. The indicator represents the balance in percentage points between those expecting a rise in overall demand in the current quarter and those predicting a decline. An indicator of past demand rose to +22 in April from +8 in the previous survey. This represents the balance between those reporting a rise in demand and those reporting a decline in the quarter preceding the survey. "According to businesses, overall demand could increase again in the second quarter, but at less dynamic rate," especially due to a slowdown of foreign demand, Insee said Prices of industrial goods rose 0.3 pct in the first quarter after a 0.2 pct rise in the last quarter of 2005, Insee said. Prices are expected to rise by 0.2 pct in the current quarter. Wages rose 0.7 pct in the first quarter and are expected to increase by 0.7 pct again this quarter, it added.