The events behind the collapse of MG Rover will be revealed to the public, Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson has pledged.

Speaking during a visit to the West Midlands yesterday, he said: "One way or another, I think people are entitled to have a full report into what happened."

MPs were likely to conduct investigations of their own, he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry has been criticised after it emerged an official report into the carmaker's finances may never be published. But asked if the full story behind Rover's demise would eventually be revealed, Mr Johnson said: "I am certain that will be the case".

Parliament was likely to conduct its own investigations, he said.

The Secretary of State was in the West Midlands yesterday for his first official visit in his new role.

He met trade union representatives, business leaders, Rover suppliers and former staff, during an intensive visit to the region.

The Financial Reporting Review Panel, the official City watchdog, has been investigating MG Rover's accounts and is expected to present its findings to Mr Johnson soon.

But the DTI has warned that this report may never be published. There have been suggestions it is concerned about prejudicing future inquiries into the conduct of the directors of Phoenix Venture Holdings, MG Rover's parent company.

Speaking to The Birmingham Post, Mr Johnson said a report into Rover's finances was "imminent".

He could not comment on speculation about future inquiries, he said.

But he pledged: "We will be as open and transparent as we can be, in accordance with the law. "One way or another, I think people are entitled to have a full report into what happened."

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee and Trade and Industry Committee both wanted to look into the collapse of Rover, he added.

Mr Johnson also assured Rover workers that they would receive their pensions.

The Government has created a Pension Protection Fund specifically to help workers in company pension schemes if their employer becomes insolvent. But it has been unclear whether Longbridge workers will benefit from it, because Phoenix Venture Holdings, MG Rover's parent group, is still solvent.

Mr Johnson said: "It is a technicality that we have to iron out, but there is no major issue of principle here.

"It is going to apply to them. I want to give the message that, with everything else they have had to worry about, they really don't have to worry about this.

"It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when."

Business leaders welcomed Mr Johnson's visit to the region.

David Draycott, executive director of business services at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said firms affected by Rover's collapse had received assistance from organisations such as Business Link, Accelerate and Advantage West Midlands.

He added: "It is good to have the new Secretary of State in the region so soon after the General Election, and I hope we will see more of him.

"I urge him to come to the West Midlands more often to show his support and not just arrive at times of crisis."