All MSPs' expenses claims are to be published regularly

Mr McLetchie was caught up in a row over his expenses claims after the freedom of information commissioner ruled that they should be made public.

Officials are considering publishing regular updates of every detail of Holyrood expenses on the internet.

But many MSPs are concerned it could jeopardise their personal security.

Following the controversy surrounding Mr McLetchie, freedom of information expense requests have been made for every MSP dating back to 1999.

Officials said the task involved tens of thousands of pages which would take nine months to complete.

They have been asked to produce an action plan on the best way of publishing MSPs' allowances going back to the start of the Scottish Parliament.

More reporting

A group made up of MSPs and parliamentary staff would now be set up to consider options for making improvements, Holyrood's Presiding Officer George Reid said.

In a letter to MSPs, Mr Reid said Holyrood's management team, the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB), believed there should be a move from annual to more frequent reporting of MSPs' allowances.

He stated: "Exactly how that will operate requires careful consideration, in particular of the resources required."

We recognise that there are issues of personal security George Reid Presiding Officer

Many MSPs, particularly women, are known to be concerned that publishing details such as frequently visited addresses could put their personal safety and privacy at risk.

Mr Reid said: "We recognise that there are issues of personal security, bank accounts and third parties which need to be addressed.

"We also recognise that our reporting systems, and the role of staff in processing returns in a focussed way, need to be reformed.

"If we are to require journey claims showing time, date, departure and arrival point and purpose, for example, that will require new electronic formats which are common to everyone."

Although the SPCB recommended resorting to fuller disclosure "at the earliest practical time", Mr Reid warned the move would take time because of a need for external advice and internal consultation.