The Government's inquiry into the failure of MG Rover has cost more than £11 million so far and there is no end in sight, it was revealed yesterday.
An inquiry into the Birmingham-based car maker was launched after the firm collapsed in April 2005, with the loss of 6,000 jobs.
Led by barrister Guy Newey QC, it was instructed to examine what went wrong between Phoenix Venture's acquisition of the firm in 2000 and administrators being brought in.
However, the probe has now been running for over two years - far longer than was originally envisaged.
Enterprise Minister Stephen Timms disclosed the bill for the investigation in response to a question tabled in the Commons by Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell.
He said costs as of December 31 last year were £10,730,194, with further "disbursements" of £425,596.
Mr Timms added: "The inspection is continuing and I am unable to say when the report will be submitted.
"The Secretary of State (for Business) will then consider publication."
MG Rover was bought by Nanjing Automobile Corporation in July 2005.
The National Audit Office has estimated that efforts to save MG Rover and minimise the effect of its collapse on the West Midlands economy cost the taxpayer £250 million.
