In March, the Parliament for the first time gave the employees councils the right to dismiss managers unilaterally, without consultation with the Industry Ministry.

The Industry Ministry went further, announcing, "The Government guarantees the existence of the "n" on computers."

Obasanjo appointed him Industry Ministry from 1999-2000.

Mr. Heseltine's expanded Trade and Industry Ministry will have responsibility for energy and small business.

When he took charge of the Industry Ministry, he was reported to have told his new employees: "I don't know anything about industry.

He said the Industry Ministry told the company that it wanted the units for generators in induction welding and the cutting of steel.

I told the Industry Ministry we were here to buy defence equipment for the Dorados, and they recommended the Opia company.

But the most likely outcome for Parmalat would be a protection from creditors under the supervision of the Industry Ministry.

The Industry Ministry, which oversees Mr. Bondi's work, could not be reached for comment.

A couple of months ago, the Industry Ministry announced that it was giving a few hundred permits to make beer.