The inspectors are working frantically but they are not being serious.

Mr. Blix noted recently that the previous inspectors worked from 1991 to 1998.

In any event, another diplomat concluded, "the monitoring system will be destroyed because the inspectors can't work if there is bombing."

For example, the dangerous-goods program was suspended after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, so the inspectors could work on security instead.

The inspectors work with law enforcement officers, mostly from the state police.

The inspectors were working at the plant on a joint project to improve maintenance and safety systems.

At headquarters they made difficulties; the inspector, they said, was no longer working there.

On completion of his apprenticeship in 1893, he became an inspector and then deputy works foreman.

The government says that a veterinary inspector worked closely at every slaughter.

He said inspectors are working with both markets to improve chicken-byproduct disposal.