UK minister in 'adult film' row

A senior minister, who is in charge of British security, was forced to apologise yesterday for using public money to pay for adult films, an embarrassment for Prime Minister Gordon Brown as he prepares to host a G20 summit.

In the latest in a series of political rows over lawmakers' expenses, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who is already under investigation over her housing allowance, said she mistakenly claimed for pay-per-view television when she submitted a bill for her internet connection.

Mrs Smith, whose large department oversees the police, counter-terrorism and immigration, will not resign and is focused on protecting G20 leaders meeting in London for talks on the financial crisis, a source close to her said.

The adult films, which costs £5 each, were watched by Mrs Smith's husband, Richard Timney, while she was away from the family house in Worcester, central England, last April.

"They were adult films, that's all you need to know. Most people can use their imagination on that," the source said. Mr Brown's spokesman offered support for Mrs Smith, saying in a statement that she had "done the right thing" in paying back the money as soon as she found out.

Mrs Smith said in a statement, "I am sorry that in claiming for my internet connection, I mistakenly claimed for a television package alongside it."

Parliament's sleaze watchdog is already looking into Mrs Smith's claims for £116,000 to pay for accommodation in London when she was staying with her sister. Mrs Smith says she followed parliament's rules and has done nothing wrong.