Labour MPs Trevor Mallard and Andrew Little have refused to apologise to ACC Minister Judith Collins for alleged defamation regarding the ACC scandal.
Ms Collins yesterday wrote to the two MPs and Radio NZ over their comments about the leak of an email from former National Party president Michelle Boag which helped end Nick Smith's ministerial career.
"I've been very clear all along that I am 100 per cent certain that there was no leak from me or from my office and I take my reputation extremely seriously. I have been defamed outside the house and I am taking action,'' she said.
Ms Collins reportedly sent Mr Little and Mr Mallard a letter giving them until 5pm yesterday to retract their comments.
Mr Little told Radio New Zealand he would not be responding to Ms Collins' letter.
"We're pretty comfortable with our position, we're taking advice, and we are not going to respond - there's' nothing for us to respond to''
Mr Mallard questioned the minister's motives.
"I think it's an attempt to gag members of parliament, probably inside and outside of the house, and of course it's something which can't be tolerated. Members must be able to express their opinions and I will continue to express my opinion.''
Radio NZ declined to comment, saying it was taking legal advice.
