MPs have slammed for a new Commons committee dedicated to London as a "ludicrous talking shop".

The capital is to get its own Select Committee where backbenchers will scrutinise what the Government does for the city.

But opposition MPs slammed the idea as a waste of money - because the Greater London Assembly already does a similar job.

The Committee will include nine MPs, who have not yet been chosen, and have the power to summon Ministers to give evidence.

It will also be able to ask bodies such as the Federation of Small Businesses, the regional organisation of the CBI, the citizens advice bureaux and the learning and skills councils to offer advice.

Like other Commons committees, it will hold inquiries and publish reports setting out its findings.

Mark Field (Con Cities of London and Westminster) said: "Many Members of Parliament, on both sides of the House, who represent seats in the capital feel that this Committee will be a ludicrous talking shop."

He added: "We already have full scrutiny by 33 local authorities, the Greater London assembly and the Mayor."

Justine Greening (Con Putney) said the committee "will cost taxpayers money that they cannot afford".

And Tom Brake (Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington) said the London Assembly should be given more powers to scrutinise the work of the Government and city agencies.

"If there is an issue relating to scrutiny, by all means let us look at whether the assembly needs additional powers; it could also propose additional powers itself."

But Peckham MP Harriet Harman, the Leader of the Commons, defended the plans.

She said: "When public bodies spend public money in the public interest, they need to be publicly accountable through this House to the region they serve.

"In the face of a global economic crisis affecting every region, the work of Regional Select Committees is even more important so that we can ensure that public policy to take action to protect businesses and jobs is effective, and so that we can be sure that taxpayers' money is being used in the most effective way."

Plans to create a regional select committee for London were approved by the Commons by 224 votes to 132, with Labour MPs backing the proposal.

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