Continuing uncertainty over the future of Rover means administrators are more likely to turn to the government for a further cash injection to pay the wages of MG Rover's 6,000 workers.

The trade and industry secretary, Patricia Hewitt, authorised a £6.5m loan to the administrators on Monday to avert thousands of job losses at Longbridge.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is demanding more information about the government’s financial aid to the company.