Lord Birt refusal challenged

Tony Blair's special adviser on transport, Lord Birt, was today warned that he faces a "knock on the door" if he fails to appear before a Commons committee investigating the troubles of the road and rail systems.

The extraordinary threat from a Labour member of the Transport Select Committee reflected the anger across the political parties at Lord Birt's refusal to give evidence.

The former director general of the BBC had been asked to attend. But a spokeswoman for him yesterday said officials from the Transport Department were better placed to answer MPs' questions.

The committee is headed by veteran Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody, an outspoken critic of the Government on transport issues, who has already queried Lord Birt's experience in the field. All Commons committees have powers to "send for persons and papers".

Labour MP Louise Ellman, a member of the committee, said today she was "very disappointed" Lord Birt had declined to attend.

"If it really comes to the test, committees do have powers and people can be sent for, so there could be a knock on the door - but let's hope we don't come to that," she said. Mrs Dunwoody said she was "angry" about Lord Birt's refusal, and that her committee was "considering the position".