Cullen hopes for better behaviour in parliament

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen expects MPs' behaviour to improve in Parliament this week, after a series of raucous sessions last week led to minor parties threatening a walkout.

Dr Cullen, who is Leader of the House, today said he intended to talk to Labour's caucus about the issue ahead of Parliament's first sitting of the week.

Speaker Margaret Wilson is also expected to lay down the law to party whips at a special meeting later today.

Ms Wilson called the meeting after loud barracking last week meant she was unable to hear ministers speaking just metres away from her.

Question time also saw personal insults flung across the House and cabinet minister Trevor Mallard threatened to reveal details of National MPs' personal lives if they did not stop calling the Government corrupt.

Yesterday Prime Minister Helen Clark light-heartedly rebuked Mr Mallard, admitting she would like to Taser him.

Dr Cullen said last week's behaviour had reflected badly on Parliament.

"I would hope we will see an improvement this week in the House," he told reporters today.

"That doesn't mean to say we expect people to back off being vigorous. We live in a democracy, but I think the level we reached last week is one that does no great credit to Parliament."

He said he had seen worse behaviour in Parliament such as former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon being so drunk he was unable to speak for two minutes.

Last week Ms Wilson said the barracking from Labour and National - particularly on the election spending issue - had reached the point where she could see little point in question time if no one could hear answers or questions.

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said minor party leaders "were fed up with question time being a dog fight between two wild packs snarling at each other".

Minor party leaders had agreed to walk out on Thursday if the bad behaviour continued. However the session was far tamer than the previous two days and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said he would not take part in any walkout.

- NZPA