“If we were to lose the companies, we would lose all this intellectual property and would never be able to replace it.”

He took part in a recent Westminster lobby, by the north west chambers, of Chancellor Alastair Darling, adding: “The conduits are already there and we will be using whatever channels we can to press the campaign.

“We must also remember that this is an international crisis. We know what is happening with the US car industry, but it is happening with the Swedes, the Germans and the Japanese, and anywhere it is happening there is government subsidy being requested. So we don’t think we have any alternative but to apply to government for help.

“But we would rather see a loan instead of a gift, and also an agenda from government that ensures we get benefits like increased skills, or research and development, or better fuel consumption, or cleaner engines, or more efficient cars.

“Government should make demands in return for taxpayers’ money. Whatever money goes in should help to maintain a positive cashflow and ensure the business remains operational for as long as this situation lasts.”

Mr Stopforth said the Chambers were at pains to stress that any financial aid the Government could offer JLR would not be the “bail-out” being sought by car giants Ford, Vauxhall parent company General Motors and Chrysler in America, but cashflow support.

davidbartlett