Halstead's MP claimed £21,528 in expenses in a 12-month period, which included having his ‘playhouse’ cleaned.

Sir Alan Haselhurst’s expense claims from April 2008 to March 2009 have been published online this month.

Two invoices from a window cleaning company billed the Sir Alan for “cleaning exterior of main house and cleaning playhouse” at his band H Duddenhoe End home.

In total, the deputy speaker, who represents the Saffron Walden constituency, claimed £468 for window cleaning during the financial year.

With regards to the playhouse claim, Sir Alan said: “It was the shorthand of my window cleaner.

“The outhouse is a workshop and garage.

“We have a table tennis table in there.”