An SNP MP has paid back £40-worth of parliamentary expenses claimed for the care of his dog.
Steven Paterson was elected last year as part of the SNP 'surge' which saw the party take 56 seats at Westminster.
The MP for Stirling's claims included one of £40.50 listed under travel, for “arrangements for care of a dog while in London”.
A spokesman said that an error had been made by one of Mr Paterson’s employees.
“A member of staff made the claim for their travel in error and the amount was repaid,” he said.
Labour said that the MP would be in the ‘doghouse’ with his party leader Nicola Sturgeon.
A party source said: “MPs are entitled to reasonable expenses, but taxpayers will rightly question why this claim was submitted. With recent revelations about SNP MPs’ flight costs, it is time for them to remember their responsibilities regarding the use of public money.”
He added: “Steven Paterson must be in the doghouse with the SNP leadership.”
Mr Paterson became the first ever SNP MP for Stirling when he succeeded Labour's Anne McGuire.
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