As Dale Nord, 43, lay unconscious in hospital, doctors said he was suffering a diabetic coma and organ failure but demanded American dollars up front before treating him, MPs have been told.

His Indonesian girlfriend, Anna, did not have the money, and telephoned Mr Nord's sister, April Nord, who called the British Embassy in Jakarta for help from her Barnsley home.

It is claimed the officer she spoke to would not go to the hospital because it was 'not his day job' and there was no interpreter, even though Anna could have translated.

Ms Nord was told the $1,700 was probably a bribe because 'everything in Jakarta works on bribery', it is claimed.

It was suggested she make a credit card payment, but the hospital refused to accept it.

Friends managed to find $700, but Mr Nord, of Broadowler Lane, Ossett, died 12 hours after being taken to hospital.

After his body was returned to the UK, it emerged he was in fact suffering severe dehydration and could have been saved if he was given fluids.

Government guidelines rule out payment for medical treatment abroad.

But Barnsley Central MP Eric Illsley told a House of Commons debate: "I appreciate that the guidlines state that no financial assitance is available, but by the same token it is strange that the Foreign Office was willing simply to stand by and allow this man to die for the want of $1,700."

He said there should be a system in place to help people faced with demands for bribes for medical treatment.

The Foriegn Office disputes Mr Illsley's account, saying medical treatment was not withheld.

A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, many hundreds of British nationals end up in hospital overseas needing treatment each year. The UK government cannot pay their medical costs. Nor can we provide financial guarantees on their behalf.

"We strongly encourage British nationals travelling or living overseas to take out full insurance."