JUSTICE Secretary Jack Straw has criticised the release of `gratuitously personal' information during the MPs' expenses row.

He said some MPs had resisted the disclosures because they would be embarrassing, but others had legitimate concerns the details were too personal.

He said at a Westminster conference: "Why was there resistance by MPs to its publication? In some cases, because people were worried about details coming out that have come out. In other cases people were concerned about information that would in other circumstances be kept private, not being private.

"Even the High Court said that the absolutely personal information of the kind that's been brought out should not be brought out."

Mr Straw acknowledged his own letter to the Commons fees office stated that 'accountancy does not appear to be my strongest suit' after it emerged that he had over-claimed for council tax on his second home.

He said: "I agree we should be completely accountable for what we spend, but some of the information has been gratuitously personal and that's been uncomfortable for people."

Mr Straw said problems had arisen because MPs were not sure whether the system was one of allowances, suggesting an element of entitlement, or expenses.

The Justice Secretary also had a dig at the media, which has been dominated by coverage of the expenses claims, saying: "I'm happy to debate this - but it's above all journalists who know about allowances and expenses."

Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner, said the expenses row had demonstrated the importance of the Freedom of Information Act.

He said he supported journalists' demands for greater disclosure of expenses claims, although not in the detail they have now appeared.

He said his office had lit 'the blue touch paper' on the issue.