If the remarks had been about black people, or Pakistanis or gays it just would not have gone out

Martyn Jones MP

She nominated Welsh people for inclusion in Room 101 - the fictional space in George Orwell's novel 1984 which contains everyone's greatest fear.

"What are they for?" Robinson asked the show's presenter Paul Merton.

"They are always so pleased with themselves," she added.

Members on the Welsh Select Committee now want the presenter to come to Westminster to "explain herself".

They said they are keen to interview her as part of their inquiry into Wales's overseas image.

Committee chairman, Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones, also said BBC Director General Greg Dyke should be forced to explain why the comments "which bordered on racism" were broadcast.

Martyn Jones MP: Writing to Greg Dyke

"Anne Robinson's comments must be considered as racist. If the remarks had been about black people, or Pakistanis or gays it just would not have gone out," said Mr Jones.

Mr Jones said Robinson would only argue she was joking if called before the committee and that would give her more credibility than she deserves.

But he said members would be writing to Mr Dyke to find out why the comments had been aired.

People go into the programme knowing they will be making some sort of joke and it will be said in jest

BBC spokesman

Meanwhile, Vale of Clwyd Labour MP Chris Ruane - who said that theoretically the committee had the power to throw Robinson in the tower if she refused to come before the committee - has called for her to be sacked.

"We wouldn't want it to come to that," he said. "Or maybe we would. My message to Anne Robinson is: you are the weakest link - goodbye".

As well as complaining to the police, Welsh civil rights group Cefn is pressing for legal action against the star and the BBC under the Race Relations Act.

The matter is now to be investigated by the BBC board of governors.

BBC National Governor for Wales Roger Jones said he would raise the issue with his colleagues.

A spokesman for the BBC said: "It's a light-hearted programme. People go into the programme knowing they will be making some sort of joke and it will be said in jest."

He added that nothing has been sent regarding legal action, but in the event that it was the BBC would take appropriate action.