Updated: Mon Nov. 02 2009 14:40:26

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — There will be an emergency swine-flu debate in the House of Commons tonight.

Speaker Peter Milliken agreed today to a request by the federal Liberals and NDP to hold the debate.

They say it's needed because of a shortage of H1N1 vaccine, long lineups at overcrowded clinics, and widespread confusion.

Critics accused the Harper government of incompetence in its handling of the health crisis.

Opposition MPs peppered the Conservatives with questions in the Commons, asking why there has been such confusion given that the government said months ago that it was prepared.