GOVERNMENT ISSUES BLANK CHEQUE AND GETS NO ANSWERS FROM ROVER INQUIRY

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 6th Feb 2008

Liberal Democrats have blasted the government for their 'blank cheque' approach to the inquiry into the Rover debacle.

Freedom of Information figures obtained by Accountancy Age have revealed that, almost three years on and at a total cost of over £11 million and rising, large sums have been paid to enquiry company BDO Stoy Haywood for accommodation and entertainment in the early stages of the enquiry.

Lorely Burt said:

"Almost £100,000 was paid in hotel bills and just under £30,000 for meals and other expenses has been paid out by the taxpayer. It seems a cruel irony that this company were on site living in the lap of luxury when the Rover workers were facing redundancy and hardship."

"It feels like the Government has issued a blank cheque to this company. It is high time all those people who lost their jobs, their families and the taxpayer got some answers," she added.