Jonathan Coleman

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman walked out of Parliament's debating chamber tonight rather than apologise for calling a Labour MP a liar.

Labour's health spokeswoman Ruth Dyson was speaking during a debate on a mental health bill when she said Dr Coleman, who is responsible for mental health, had told a meeting last year that he supported putting a code of rights for families of patients into law.

At that point, Dr Coleman interjected.

"Jonathan Coleman just called me a liar and I ask you to ask him to withdraw and apologise," Ms Dyson said to Associate Speaker Eric Roy.

Mr Roy said he didn't hear the interjection and asked Dr Coleman whether he had called Ms Dyson a liar, which isn't allowed in Parliament.

"Yes I did and I'm not going to withdraw and apologise. I'm packing my stuff and I'm off," Dr Coleman said.

As he was on his way out, Mr Roy ordered him to leave.