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mpc: 11 The momentum in consumption growth was not clear. On the one hand, data over the past two years could be taken to imply that consumption growth had reached a trough in early 2005 since when it had recovered. On the other hand, throughout this period, growth above its historical average had been recorded in only one quarter and retail sales had been weaker over the summer. More recently, retail sales in October had picked up strongly but survey indicators for November had shown some weakness. The Bank's regional Agents had reported increased household spending growth. The housing market continued to be robust with the lenders' price indices suggesting strong house price increases in November. Most of the various activity indicators of housing demand had continued to point to expansion, although a preview of the RICS survey for November had shown a sharp fall in the balance of new buyer enquiries.