London will host the Olympics but the Midlands should build it, according to an MP.

The region's skilled workforce could make "a tremendous contribution" towards the 2012 Games, said Pat McFadden (Lab Wolverhampton South East).

He was speaking in the House of Commons, as MPs insisted the event must be used to benefit the entire country.

Birmingham City Council has already begun talks with London Mayor Ken Livingstone on how the city could contribute to the Olympics.

Mr McFadden said: "Given the enormous amount of construction work that is needed, along with equipment and supplies, the West Midlands is well placed to make a tremendous contribution.

" Of course, that will require investment to ensure the right mix and level of skills, but what we need most of all from Government is the opportunity to make the kind of contribution of which the region is capable."

The CBI and Advantage West Midlands, the regional development agency, was already working closely with councils, colleges and the tourism industry to ensure the region made the most of the opportunities offered by the Games, he said.

"Their plan covers three essential elements- facilities for teams to prepare, business procurement and tourism - to ensure that the region extends the warmest possible welcome to the hundreds of thousands of people who will come to Britain in connection with the Games.

"I assure Ministers that I will send them a copy of the plan, and I hope that they and the organisers of the delivery of the games will give it full and proper consideration."

He added: "In thinking about how the country can share fully in the Games and go beyond the formal hosting of events and provision of training facilities, important as those are, we must also think about how the investment and job opportunities involved in making the games happen can be shared around the country.

"Although London will host the Games, the West Midlands can, in many ways, make the Games."

Stoke South MP Robert Flello (Lab) said: "Teams travelling from all over the world will wish to set up in different parts of the UK and to bring over equipment in advance.

"Without wanting to plug north and east Staffordshire too much, it is a perfect location for such activities.

" As a final plug, the Olympics will need an official supplier of ceramics, and where better than Staffordshire?"