1.   Government ministers have legislative, executive and judicial functions.

2.   Had cabinet minister X put on even more weight from last year?

3.   Some government ministers had serious doubts as to whether the policy would work.

4.   The minister had to issue a formal public apology for his remarks.

5.   The minister has the burden of explaining why he must raise taxes.

6.   The two ministers have yet to meet, but may do so while in New York.

7.   Few ministers have the nous or the instinct required to understand the ramifications.

8.   British ministers had to acquiesce if they wished to re-establish links with Washington.

9.   Ministers had no choice but to distance themselves from the bombing.

10.   After years of debate, EC environment ministers have reached agreement on legislation to conserve natural habitats.