The DUP MP ran up a Parliamentary bill 11.5% higher than the Commons average of £135,850 in the 12 months to March this year, ranking him 72nd highest spending MP in the UK.

Sinn Fein politician Michelle Gildernew racked up more claims than four DUP MPs, despite not taking her Westminster seat, according to the report.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP leapt dramatically up the table from 642 last year to 383 in 06/07 after claiming £138,779 compared to £40,898.

Her bill was higher than Gregory Campbell (433) Iris Robinson (383) David Simpson (552), William McCrea (486) as well as Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward (403).

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was in 244th place, claiming £141,790, higher than First Minister Ian Paisley at 349 after spending £136,498.

The figures cover everything from office and staff costs, to computer equipment, travel expenses, a home in London and postage bills.

They can use the so-called "additional cost allowance" of up to £21,634 to buy a London home at public expense - opting for interest-only mortgages to cut their own repayment costs.

However, the Commons authorities insist the overall bill to the taxpayer is no higher than if those MPs used the allowance to pay rent or hotel bills.

Overall, the expenses bill rose by nearly three times the rate of inflation last year.

Shahid Malik, the Labour MP for Dewsbury and International Development Minister, submitted the biggest overall claim of £185,421, including £21,266 on postage.

The lowest claim was by Conservative Philip Hollobone, Kettering MP, who claimed £44,551, followed by veteran Labour left-winger Dennis Skinner with £67,891.

The Tax Payers' Alliance pressure group said MPs should be "ashamed" at the scale of the claims.

The group's Chief executive Matthew Elliott said: "No wonder voters have little respect for politicians when they see so many MPs with their snouts in the trough."