Critics say the money would have been better spent getting the next day’s forecast right

But critics say the money would have been better spent getting the next day’s forecast right.

John Hirst said taxpayers would be well served by the massive computer because it would ensure Britain leads the world in climate science.

He said £20.7million was invested in the project last year alone, taxpayers’ money “which will enable the Met Office to deliver more accurate forecasts, from hours to a century ahead”. Mr Hirst said this referred to climate change predictions.

A Met Office forecast issued last Thursday for yesterday predicted hours of sunshine in central London. But there was hardly any, with rain clouds covering the capital for much of the day.

Mr Hirst’s claim was made in the Met Office’s annual report for 2011-12, which reveals he was paid £215,000, including a £45,000 bonus.