THE man at the centre of the British Museum stone row has defended his part in the scheme for the first time.

Geoff Smith, owner of Easton Masonry, which supplied stone for the controversial south portico, said he had no choice but to supply French material instead of Portland stone.

He said he had only 14 months to find appropriate material for the building and could not get enough Portland stone in that time.

But Mr Smith, who lives in Weymouth, pointedly refused to say whether he had deliberately misled anyone about what type of stone was being supplied.

In an interview just days before the Queen is due to open the refurbished museum, he said: "Smirke (the architect who designed the original museum building) had 20 years to build it and had more than 20 quarries to choose from.

"We had one potential quarry which had a couple of stones. And we had just 14 months, so we had to do what we could."

When asked if he had ever deliberately misled anyone, he said: "I have been told not to answer that question".

Mr Smith was speaking for the first time since the row erupted earlier this year.

But his contention that no one else could have supplied the stone for the £1.76 million contract was refuted by the boss of Albion Stone on Portland, which had also tendered for the scheme.

Michael Poultney claims he could have fulfilled the contract using Portland stone.

Critics have condemned the new south portico which has been built with Anstude Roche Clair - a French limestone.

But Mr Smith has defended his actions, pointing out that the plans asked for 'oolitic limestone, Portland stone or similar.'

And he believes the use of Anstrude Roche Clair - a similar oolitic limestone to Portland Stone - is acceptable.

Following Mr Smith's comments, the museum's director Suzanne Taverne, said she was awaiting the results of a report before deciding if any action would be taken.

She said: "Depending on the outcome of the investigation action may be taken.

"We have commissioned a report from Price Waterhouse Coopers to look at the way the stone was provided to see if there was any fraud and at the way in which the stone was accepted by the museum."

The south portico was roundly condemned by English Heritage which accused the trustees of a 'dereliction of duty' for allowing the French stone to be used.

Camden Council planners, who have overall responsibility for any building works, meet on December 14 to make a final decision which could lead to the portico being demolished.