Cabinet minister Geoff Hoon has described a series of excessive second home claims an "inadvertent administrative error", and has paid back the reimbursed expenses.

Mr Hoon, the Transport Secretary, paid advanced bills on his second home prior to 'flipping' to another property.

Back in 2006 Mr Hoon listed his designated second home as Derbyshire property. He later changed this to a property in London.

Today's Daily Telegraph has accused Mr Hoon of claiming back bills for a full year's insurance, a gas service contract and a TV licence on the Derbyshire property.

The paper also reported he claimed for three TV licences in one year on expenses.

Mr Hoon said the three bills had been settled before he knew he would be moving and were usually paid annually.

"Although this was an inadvertent administrative error, I unreservedly apologise for the mistake," he said.

Mr Hoon today paid back £384.

The furore follows yesterday's revelations over claims made by chancellor Alistair Darling.

Mr Darling had paid £668 in advance for an annual service charge on his second home, prior to moving into Number 11 Downing Street - his grace and favour property.

The chancellor has repaid the sum, which he had earlier claimed back as an expense.

He faced a wall of criticism over the incident, with the Lib Dems calling for him to resign.

Political commentators have continued to speculate on a post-Euro election cabinet reshuffle, which could see Mr Darling ousted from the Exchequer.

(PR/JM)