THE failure of Tube contractor Metronet cannot be allowed to happen again, MPs have warned.

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee has published a report stating that the Government was to blame for the contractor's collapse.

The committee could not estimate the total cost of Metronet's collapse but during its investigation was told the public was liable for 95 per cent of the debt.

Metronet maintained two thirds of the London Underground network, including the Victoria and Central lines, under a Public Private Partnership. The firm was given a 30-year contract in beginning in 2003, but went into administration in July 2007.

Committee chairwoman Gwyneth Dunwoody said the Government should learn from the PPP's failure and recall the debacle next time it considers entering into a similar contract.

Transport for London in the process of taking over Metronet's maintenance contracts after submitting a formal bid to take over the company last September.