His alleged justification was disclosed in correspondence between Commons officials. In an email, an official wrote: "He had problems finding a suitable property because in the Rhondda there is a choice mainly of terraced property or mine owners' houses." When approached by the Telegraph yesterday, Mr Bryant said: "I have never said or thought anything of the sort". In all, he successfully claimed more than £13,000 for renovations, repairs and appliances in 2004. Along with other bills, his annual claim was £20,902.