NORTH West MPs said today the Government must speed up its £2.3bn support package for the motor industry to protect thousands of skilled jobs on Merseyside.

In a report published today, the North West Select Committee said the region’s manufacturing sector needed more support to see it through the recession.

The car industry employs thousands in this region, but has been badly hit by the recession. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson pledged £2.3bn in support for the sector through the Automotive Assistance Programme, but the committee says the Government is taking too long to distribute the cash.

Jaguar Land Rover, which employs 2,000 people at its Halewood plant, has asked the Government for support to see it through the recession.

But aid has been delayed amid reports of rows between JLR owner Tata Motors and the Government over what conditions will be attached to any support. Committee chairman David Crausby said: “The North West economy is in need of urgent support.

“The wealth of the region relies heavily on industry and more needs to be done to protect our manufacturing base.