MPs can claim accommodation costs for housing near the Commons

Some parliamentarians have called for public understanding as the bill for the 659 MPs was almost �80m.

The report says overall expenditure on MPs in 2002-2003 was �78m - which did not include their basic salaries.

HAVE YOUR SAY I am quite happy for my MP's to claim these expenses because I am in no position to complain Vish, UK Send us your comments

MPs are paid �57,000 a year, but expenses for travel and housing can amount to an extra �120,000 per MP.

On top of their annual salary and pension contributions, MPs who do not live near the House of Commons can claim up to �20,902 a year for accommodation in the capital.

They may also claim costs for up to three trips to Europe a year, providing the country they are going to has a parliament.

'Value for money'

Expenses claims are also made for travel at home and abroad and for staff and stationery.

MPs can claim up to �19,325 for the cost of office accommodation and up to �77,534 for the cost of staff, which can include payments made to members of their own family

MPs' EXPENSES �120,000 - total possible Second home - up to �20,902 Office space - up to �19,325 Staff costs - up to �77,534 Plus stationery and travel costs

The former MP Martin Bell welcomed the publication of the figures, saying it was "public scrutiny at its best".

"There's an issue of value for money here," he told BBC Breakfast News.

"This is a thoroughly welcome debate."

Labour MP John Mann, also talking to BBC Breakfast News, said "having it out in the open is a good thing".

But he said that in some areas, such as the costs of running a constituency office, expenses were not high enough.