Michael Fabricant asked the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, Leader of the House of Commons, today for an urgent debate on crisis management by the Government.

He told her during Business Questions in the House of Commons "In the summer the Prime Minister intervened during the fuel crisis and called a summit at Number 10. He announced that fuel would be back in the pumps in 24 hours. They were not.

"A few weeks ago, the Prime Minister called another summit with rail chiefs to sort out the chaos on our railways. He announced that timetables would be out before Christmas. They are not. Mr Speaker, we are now just 11 days from Christmas and no-one knows when the trains are running.

"When can we have an urgent debate to discuss why this Government is unable, incapable, irresponsible in managing any crisis?"

The Leader of the House was unable to set a time.

But Michael Fabricant says "Lichfield and other midland towns are now virtually cut off and it is costing local firms millions in lost time and lost business. The Government seems to be unable to manage this and other crises. Their inability to control events does not augur well for the future – particularly if we have a hard winter".