The fine tuning of the financing of the security for the London 2012 Olympics has been "held up for too long'', London mayor Boris Johnson claimed on Tuesday.

Mr Johnson said that organisers have now got a grip on the "security architecture'' but also warned that protecting the Olympics is a national issue, even if the Games are being staged largely in London.

He told the House of Commons' Culture, Media and Sport committee: "If you think that during the G8 (in July 2005) 12,000 police were moved to Scotland and terrorists struck in London.

"The security threat is not just for London, the security threat can be anywhere during the Games.

"My opinion is that the security architecture of the Olympics has been held up for too long. I now think that we are making much faster progress and there will be quite substantial protection around the main venues.''

He said that more detail about that will come, but predicted: "It will not be like China'', whose security levels "many people found oppressive''.

The July 7 bombing took place a day after London celebrated the right to host the 2012 Games.

The security bill for staging the Games was originally £600million. Another concern raised by the MPs is the impact that last week's sudden resignation of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair and the absence of Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, who had been given responsibility for police arrangements for London 2012.

Mr Ghaffur is now on gardening leave and suing for racial discrimination.

Mr Johnson said: "I really do not think that the committee should be distracted by either of these.''

Acting Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson is currently in charge of the Olympic security operation and I have "absolute confidence in what he's doing,'' Mr Johnson said.

In more than an hour of wide-ranging questioning it was the only time that Mr Johnson had seemed a little subdued.

He was questioned on the £9.3billion budget and his hopes that it will not be exceeded, the effect of the credit crunch, transport levels and the legacy of the London Games.

In trying to keep a lid on costs, Mr Johnson felt it was important that the contingency was not raided too early.

He told the committee: "I think we have spent 25% of the budget in terms of holes being put in the ground and 2% of the contingency.

"I am very reluctant of any early spending of the contingency - that is where the argument is turning at the moment.

"There is clearly discussion ongoing about the funding of the (Olympic) village. We are still trying to get private sector involvement and investment, but the Olympic Delivery Authority is confident that we can.''

And in a heads-up to other organisers of the Games, Mr Johnson stressed that his main concern was clamping down on the cost.

He said: "I am not so fussed about the strictures of the IOC (International Olympic Committee).

"I am not so worried about previous undertakings. I want a wonderful Games that is not necessarily so expensive.''

There were still no firm answers about who would be using the Olympic Stadium as its base after the Games.

West Ham and rugby clubs have both held talks with organisers about potential use of the 80,000-seater venue, which will be shrunk to a 25,000 capacity stadium after 2012 with a track and field use.

Mr Johnson said: "It has got to be capable of being a world class athletics venue.

"The question is how can you satisfy the needs of Premiership football and frankly that is something that we have not found a solution.''

Alan Keen MP also noted that even if a solution were found West Ham may not be "left with a lot of money'' to spend considering its problems with the Carlos Tevez affair.

West Ham could face legal action from players relegated with Sheffield United.

At least 10 players, who suffered financially after relegation in 2007, approached lawyers with a view to claiming compensation from the Hammers. Up to £30 million compensation could be demanded from the London club.

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