Tory leader David Cameron is said to be hoping for a "speedy resolution" to the legal row over the publication of his expenses.

An aide to the Witney MP spoke out yesterday as Commons Speaker Michael Martin faced a backlash from MPs over the decision to challenge the disclosure of 14 MPs' second home allowances in the High Court.

Mr Martin moved to shut down debate about the issue in the House as MPs distanced themselves from the move and demanded to know why there had been no prior debate.

The costly appeal, against an Information Tribunal ruling that the Commons must publish details of 14 MPs' Additional Costs Allowance (ACA), was lodged earlier this week.

The Commons Commission, which manages House affairs, cited the security implications of publishing details of their second home addresses.

But Mr Cameron, whose expenses are covered by the ruling, is said to be hoping for the information to be put in the public domain soon.

An aide said: "He was very relaxed, very happy to have all this information published and he wants it resolved as quickly as possible."

MPs can claim up to £23,000 a year under the ACA to maintain a second home.

The recently-released "John Lewis list" detailed dozens of household items they can purchase on the allowance, including up to £10,000 for kitchens and £6,000 for bathrooms.

But a source close to Mr Cameron has insisted the publication of his expense claims will not reveal any John Lewis or similar purchases.

Mr Martin, who heads the Commission, refused to listen to MPs' concerns in the chamber yesterday, cutting off a Labour MP when he raised the matter.

The Speaker ruled: "This matter is before the court and therefore it is sub judice for the House of Commons.

"I know that the media can talk about it, but for the House of Commons the rules are quite clear."

The legal challenge is expected to cost more than £100,000 - on top of the £52,000 the Commons has already spent opposing freedom of information rulings.

Other MPs covered by the ruling include Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his predecessor Tony Blair.