Murphy claimed £3k for new boiler

Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy said his expenses claims were legitimate

Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy claimed over £3,000 on expenses to fit a new boiler because he believed his water was "too hot", it is reported.

The Westminster cabinet, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, are facing questions after the Daily Telegraph published their expense claim details.

But Mr Murphy said his claim for his second home was within the regulations.

The MP for Torfaen said his old boiler was replaced after it was deemed unsafe and could not be repaired.

Full details of all MPs' expenses dating back four years, running to 2.4 million receipts, were due to be published in the middle of July after the Commons authorities lost a Freedom of Information battle.

But the Telegraph claims potential abuses would have remained secret because MPs have been allowed to edit out addresses and other information. The newspaper has obtained a copy of all the uncensored receipts.

At all times he assiduously checks his claims with the Fees Office of the House of Commons Paul Murphy's spokesman

It has published details of 13 Cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Chancellor Alastair Darling, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.

It said Mr Murphy claimed for a new boiler after saying his existing hot water system was "too hot".

But in a statement, a spokesman said he had not broken any rules over his additional costs allowance.

"'In 22 years in the House of Commons, all of his claims have been within the regulations as set out in the Parliamentary Green Book and their spirit," he said.

"At all times he assiduously checks his claims with the Fees Office of the House of Commons.

"The old boiler in his flat was declared unsafe and therefore had to be replaced after attempts were made to repair it."