Peter Bone, the Conservative MP for Wellingborough, presented the can of fish to Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon as the Government was accused of trying to price passengers off the railways after inflation-busting fare increases were announced for the start of next year.

Mr Bone claimed the sardines represented the Government's "inaction and complacency" in tackling rail overcrowding.

The Chron revealed last week that some rail season tickets could rise by more than 10 per cent in January, with the average being six per cent.

During yesterday's House of Commons debate, Mr Bone asked Mr Hoon: "Do you support the 'In the Can' campaign whereby rail users are encouraged to send a tin of sardines to the chief executive of East Midlands Trains because of gross overcrowding?"

Holding up a tin, he added: "Or would you agree with me that this tin of sardines would be better presented to you for your inaction and complacency?"

Amid laughter from MPs, Mr Hoon responded: "I'm grateful to you for thinking about my health and welfare by ensuring that I eat oily fish.

"Having already received a tin of sardines from one of your colleagues, I would suggest that rather than sending it to me, you send it to an appropriate charity in your constituency."

The planned increases have angered many commuters, who claimed they endure sub-standard services, constant delays and sky-high prices.

Shaun Hope, of the Northampton Rail Users Group, said: "There is a certain risk of overcrowding on trains and the early running service is not adequate.

"I understand there will be an increased length on some of the early trains but there has been overcrowding for people picking up the train in the south who spend most of their journey standing up.

"When you are paying nearly £5,000 for a season ticket you do not expect this to happen.

"The six per cent increase is based on an inflation rate calculated in the summer. The situation has changed dramatically since then with the country going into recession.

"The increase is an issue with some people who feel they are paying over what is reasonable in the circumstances."