The minister was pressed on the issue in the Commons by Conservative MP for West Derbyshire, Patrick McLoughlin.

He wanted to know why the Strategic Rail Authority claimed the Parkway, on the Nottinghamshire-Leicestershire border, would be open this year when work has not started yet.

Mr Darling said he expected work to start soon but would enquire further.

He said: "It would appear the operator of the railway has been in discussion with Powergen, who have expressed concerns for a number of reasons about building the station there.

"But agreement has now been reached to sell the land in question."

Mr Darling admitted the situation was " not very satisfactory" and he would continue to investigate the process.