The complex administration of failed Tube operator Metronet will put huge stress on the completion of other underground refurbishment programmes, London Underground has admitted.

Speaking at a meeting of the London Assembly Transport Committee, LU's managing director Tim O'Toole said working towards financial stability after the collapse of Metronet was extremely frustrating and much harder than anticipated.

O'Toole admitted that all programmes to renew the Tube infrastructure would be "under stress" as a result of taking over Metronet - and he said it could also have implications for other work done by Transport for London.

He could also provide no definite date when the failed London Underground infrastructure company would be moved out of administration.

Liberal democrat member Geoff Pope said the blame game' was wasting time and money and needed to end.

He added: "All Transport for London's projects are at risk because of the Metronet fiasco. Tim O'Toole was clear that no-one can estimate what the costs will be to Londoners at this stage."

Earlier this month the government announced a total of £1.7bn will be used to pay back the amount lenders made available to the company, which went into administration last July.

Critics said it represented a "bail out" of the firm but TfL denied this.

Assembly member Roger Evans said: "We recognise that reaching financial stability following the collapse of Metronet is no small task. However, it is frustrating that Metronet has been in administration for seven months already."