Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Friday stressed that the US Government's majority stake in General Motors Co. has no bearing on the response of regulators to the safety problems which are currently plaguing Toyota Motor Corp.'s recalled vehicles.

"That argument is baloney", Mr. LaHood said.

During this week, discussions about whether the Government stands, in any way, to benefit as a GM shareholder from its regulatory crackdown on Toyota, managed to gain some heat, with various critics hinting that there at least is the appearance of a conflict of interest.

In return for bailout and bankruptcy financing help, which was provided last year, the Government assumed a majority stake in GM and about 10% hold in Chrysler.

"If a car needs to be recalled, if a car manufacturer needs to be investigated, we will be there to do it. I'm very pleased that he (Toyota's President) has decided to appear before Congress, and I'm very pleased that I'll have a chance to meet with him personally", said Secretary LaHood.