The Chancellor of the Exchequer in Britain has been accused of sexism after telling a Labour MP not to be "hysterical" during a parliamentary question session.
Philip Hammond hit out at Mary Creagh after she asked him whether reassurances could be given to UK businesses to stop them moving to Ireland ahead of Brexit.
Mr Hammond told her: "I would urge her not to be hysterical about these things; many companies are making contingency plans, including setting up and incorporating subsidiaries."
His response prompted murmuring in the House of Commons - and Ms Creagh accused him of using "sexist language" to "diminish women who make a perfectly reasonable point".
She added that her question on the registration of companies in Ireland had "nothing to do with condition of my womb travelling to my head".
The word hysterical is derived from the Greek for womb.
In response, Mr Hammond clarified that he "did not accuse the honourable lady of being hysterical, but I urged her not to be hysterical".
He concluded that "if my comments have caused the honourable lady any offence I withdraw them unreservedly".
Ms Creagh had raised a point of order with the Speaker John Bercow, who has been a critic of sexism in politics.
He said: "There is a difference between order and taste, and people will have their own view about taste.
"The point has been raised and the chancellor has made a gracious statement in response, and I think for today we should leave it there."
.@MaryCreaghMP accuses @PHammondMP of using sexist language in the House of Commons to "diminish women" https://t.co/MNUd8m2fHe
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 28, 2017
