Clarkson's 'corrupt people' jibe earns him a whack from Mallard

National MP Bob Clarkson is upset about being whacked around the ears by Cabinet Minister Trevor Mallard and says he may lay a complaint with the Speaker.

Mr Clarkson said Mr Mallard may have been being playful, but he considered it a serious matter. "If I went up and whacked Mallard on the ears, he would have me in the privileges committee at 90 miles per hour."

Mr Clarkson said he had been sitting in Parliament during question time yesterday with a sign saying "Corrupt people" and an arrow pointing towards Labour's benches.

The Speaker made him take the sign down but he believes it may have ruffled a few feathers.

As Labour MPs were filing out of the House, Mr Mallard had walked up behind Mr Clarkson and hit him over the ears.

"He snuck around behind me ... and next thing, whack".

"I take it it was a cardboard folder or something, one on each ear," Mr Clarkson said. "I'm a little bit stunned because it's not a boxing arena."

Mr Mallard said he had been telling Mr Clarkson to behave himself "and jokingly having him on".

"He moved his head which may have touched a manila folder I was holding.

"I certainly didn't assault him and he was laughing before and afterwards," Mr Mallard said. "He is meant to be a real Kiwi joker ... he should stop squealing like a baby."

- NZPA