percent.

That was down a little from the 2.6 percent rate of inflation for the 12 months that ended in September.

Consumer prices were up an average of 0.1 percent in October.

Food was up 0.3 percent, with frozen vegetables up 4.6 percent, flour up 4.5 percent, fresh apples up 4.2 percent, and mayonnaise up 3.4 percent.

The health and personal care index rose 1.0 percent, reflecting increased prices for over-the-counter medical supplies and certain health care services.

The fuel and power index rose 0.7 percent, due to a rise in the fuel adjustment clause for electricity.

Meanwhile, the transport and vehicles sector dipped 0.1 percent, mainly due to drops in the prices of unleaded premium fuel and mixed fuel.

Rent, tobacco and liquor, and household goods, services and supplies all increased 0.1 percent, while clothing and footwear and education, recreation, and reading remained static.

A DEAL FROM BRITISH AIRWAYS FLY A deal from British Airways London-bound travellers have received a 1996 boost from British Airways.

For those flying between January 16 and March 16, the round-trip fare from Bermuda will be $529 midweek, $579 on weekends.

Tickets can be booked from December 11, but no later than January 31. Payment must be made within 72 hours of reservation.

The special winter fare was announced yesterday by BA's local manager Mr.

Philip Troake.

He said such bargains had proved very popular in the past.

"This year, however, we are making the announcement earlier so that Bermuda travellers will have time to make plans over the holidays.

"It will also give people an opportunity to purchase the tickets for Christmas presents.'' Mr. Troake pointed out BA was currently running three flights a week -- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday -- throughout the winter.

Suspending any student who tested positive for drugs. The student will not be allowed to return until he or she began a "suitable rehabilitation programme''; Possibly expelling the student if he or she tested positive a second time, refused to submit to further testing, or if parents failed to give their consent to further testing; Notifying Police and parents if a student is suspected of possessing or trafficking illegal drugs; and Expelling a student who is found to be possessing or trafficking illegal drugs.

"Warwick Academy must say no to all forms of substance abuse,'' the policy stated. "The school's health education programme must promote and encourage students at all times to adopt healthy lifestyles and to be positive learners.

"The school requires and welcomes the full support of its parent body in this vital part of the school curriculum.'' "We think the policy we have is a good one,'' Mr. Beacroft added.

However, he admitted that some aspects of the policy, such as drug testing, might have to be reviewed after the new Education Act becomes law.

"We would not want to be breaking the law,'' he said. "If it is the case that something we have written down is unlawful, we will change it.'' A draft of the new Education Act, which was presented to the House of Assembly by former Education Minister Clarence Terceira in July, did not allow testing in any school, including private schools, without the "written consent of the parent''.

Yesterday, Government House Leader Quinton Edness said Education Minister Jerome Dill -- who was off the Island -- was reviewing the draft which was not expected to be tabled this year.