His expenses included £439.94 for a television and video recorder in 2005, along with £132.23 for Ikea curtains and £99.99 for a garden shed. Mr Atkinson claimed £21.86 for Homebase tools to erect the shed.

Other claims included for his television licence, a £45 kitchen tap repair, £444 for a bed and a £119 computer table.

But unlike many other MPs, Mr Atkinson regularly does not claim for food or cleaning - apart from a £160 bill for carpet cleaning.

Mr Atkinson said: "I tend to clear those big items in advance [with the Parliamentary authorities]. I had spoken to them and it was within the rules.

"It seems to be a difficult judgement whether it enhances the value or is just for wear and tear.

"I think they are reasonable. I have always slightly taken the view that I wouldn't want to claim anything that I wouldn't want to be in the Newcastle Journal. People can make their own minds up on it."

He said windows had to be replaced because they were "literally falling out", adding: "Not only was there a terrible heat loss, there was a security implication as well."

Mr Atkinson's claims will now go before a Tory scrutiny committee, and he said: "I have been totally transparent and opened them up to everybody.

"If the scrutineers think that was not acceptable then of course I shall repay it."

UPDATE: The BBC has linked to this blog. Click here for a recent round-up of developments.