HARTLEPOOL MP Iain Wright claimed thousands of pounds on furnishings for a second home - before he had even bought one.

In a letter to the Commons authorities, he said it seemed stupid not to use up his full Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) for the year.

Housing minister Mr Wright initially used his expenses to stay in a variety of London hotels after being returned as MP for Hartlepool in a by-election in 2004, according to documents leaked to the Daily Telegraph.

But in April the next year, two days after Tony Blair called a general election, he wrote to the fees office saying: "Feel like I'm bothering you all the time, but I don't want to run foul of the regulations.

"Today, I'm putting in a claim for £1,811, which includes £1,200 for things I've bought like bedding, kitchen equipment etc. I haven't yet bought a house, although I'm in the very early stages.

"It's still OK to claim, isn't it? It seems stupid to carry it over into my next year when a large chunk of my ACA would go unused. Let me know your advice."

Using the MP's first name, a senior Commons official apparently responded that it was a reasonable request, but suggested he wait until after the general election in May.

"Iain, this is not something I have ever come across before. So the following ramblings are me thinking out loud!" the official wrote.

"It can be a lengthy process which could take six months, perhaps a year - can I ask how early in the buying process you are?

"There is also the General Election to take into account. Not only the risk of losing your seat (unlikely I know) but also adding further delay to the buying process.

"My advice would be to claim from 2004-5 as intended, but withhold your claim until after May 6, 2005.

Last year's allowance will still be available to you up until May 31, 2005. I think the (Department of Finance and Administration) would be more willing to reimburse you in advance of the purchase of the house once you are returned."

After buying a central London flat with Tom Watson, now the minister for digital engagement, the two men are said to have submitted thousands of pounds for arrangement fees and stamp duty.

They later purchased the freehold on the property, and claimed costs including £1,431.46 in legal costs.

Altogether the pair have spent more than £100,000 on the shared property since the election, according to the Telegraph.

West Bromwich MP Mr Watson apparently spent the maximum of £4,800 on food in a single year, and had his expenses cut by £210 after buying a set of dining room chairs that exceeded the limit set by the fees office.

Mr Watson told the newspaper: "All claims were made under the rules set out by the House of Commons authorities.

"I fully understand why the public expects the system to be reformed.

"I voted for this last week and only hope that reforms can go even further as quickly as possible."

Mr Wright said: "As a new MP, I purchased furniture and electrical equipment once I was in the process of purchasing a half-share of a small two-bedroomed flat in London."