Eric Joyce said his expense claim would continue to reduce

The Labour politician notched up Westminster's highest expenses and allowances in the 2006 figures.

However, his total dropped from �174,811 to �164,180 in the period from April 2006 to March this year.

Mr Joyce, who was ranked 11th on this year's list, said his travel expenses would continue to fall.

The figures, which include costs for London homes, staff salaries and office running costs, were published by the House of Commons.

My total published next year will reflect more accurately the order of the downward trend Eric Joyce

They show that members claimed in excess of �87m for expenses.

Mr Joyce, who had pledged to halve the �30,000 travel costs he accrued last year, said: "Last October, when the figures for the financial year 2005/06 were published, I said I would take steps to reduce my travel expenses.

"Accordingly my expenditure for the second part of the financial year 2006/07 from October to April was less that half the figure for the first part.

"My total published next year will therefore reflect more accurately the order of the downward trend."

Highest figure

Mr Joyce spent �22,689 on air fares last year.

He also claimed �22,110 to cover the cost of staying away from his main home during parliamentary business, �22,483 to run his constituency office and �79,381 to pay his staff.

Four Scottish MPs featured in the top 10. Labour's Frank Doran had the highest figure, with the Aberdeen North MP claiming a total of �171,836.