The huge row over UK MP's expenses today claimed its first scalps on a powerful committee that has been scrutinising the pay and behaviour in the UK financial system after two of its members were exposed, one for over-claiming on a mortgage, the other for buying a floating house for his ducks.

Michael Fallon MP and Sir Peter Viggers MP have become the first Treasury Select Committee members to become embroiled in the expenses scandal, after Fallon claimed £8,300 (€9,417) too much in expenses for a mortgage and Viggers claimed £1,600 for a floating duck island and £500 for garden manure, among other things.