Bungling Tory Transport Minister Claire Perry was forced to issue an official “correction” yesterday after telling MPs that Britain’s railways were the most punctual in Europe.

The Devizes MP made the claim during an October 29 debate on South West trains, boasting that “we have the safest and most punctual railways.”

But yesterday Ms Perry, who has previously faced ridicule for stating on national radio that Britain’s deficit — its spending gap — and debts are the same thing, admitted she had misled the house.

“The statement on punctuality cannot be substantiated,” she belatedly informed MPs.

Instead, she carefully added: “We can say that UK rail passengers are among the most satisfied in Europe with train punctuality and reliability.”