Rover: Many questions to be answered say Liberal Democrats

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 16th Apr 2005

As MG Rover workers begin to receive their redundancy notices, Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, Malcolm Bruce said If there is an enquiry into the collapse of MG Rover, then it must be at arms length from Government and focused on what can be learnt. There are a number of questions that need to be answered that relate to the conduct of the Government and the DTI as well as the Phoenix directors."

Mr. Bruce said "As workers and their families receive this disastrous news they will note that the cost of statutory redundancy for 6000 workers amounts to £40 million, approximately the same amount that was shared by the four directors of Phoenix holdings. The Government must make explicit what practical assistance will be given to workers, suppliers, and dealers. Now we must look at what can still be rescued from the remainder of the company, and what can best secure the Economic prospects of the West Midlands."