Cancer patients are at risk of being diagnosed too late since nearly a third of all MRI scanners - used to detect and treat the disease - are out of date, a report into the state of hospital equipment has revealed.

One in 10 CT scanners, used for the diagnosis of cancer, brain, organ and bone injuries, and the assessment of heart disease, are also past their "best-before date", the research, compiled by the Liberal Democrats, has found.

Ten per cent of areas where patients are treated breach health and safety and fire regulations. The backlog of hospital repairs has also risen to £3.4bn against £2.7bn in 1997 when Labour came to power.

The picture of an NHS plagued with archaic equipment and crumbling buildings was built up through answers to a series of parliamentary questions. The research found that 64 out of a total of 206 MRI scanners in the NHS - 31% - were more than seven years old, the recommended maximum.

Thirty-five CT scanners - out of 322 - are also more than seven years old, the oldest being 12 years old. The total cost to ensure hospitals comply with fire and health and safety regulations is nearly £582m, while the total backlog is £3.4bn - or £117 for each taxpayer.

Yesterday, the Lib Dem health spokesman, Paul Burstow, said lives were being put at risk since broken down machines led to delays in diagnosis.

"Years of underfunding by Conservative and Labour governments have left a legacy of out of date equipment, broken down scanners and crumbling hospitals. It's time ministers stopped meddling and micro-managing the NHS. Short-term targets should not get in the way of investment in safety, and up-to-date equipment."