The outspoken remarks of Immigration Minister Phil Woolas on UK population figures landed him a custard pie in the face.
A pro-migration group staged the stunt as Mr Woolas took part in an environmental debate at the University of Manchester.
A woman stepped on to the stage from the crowd and scored a direct hit from close distance against the stunned Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth.
Mr Woolas left the arena to clean himself up and later returned to the debate.
The Manchester No Borders campaign group reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. It appears the organisation took exception to the minister's comments that the Government would not allow the UK's population to rise as high as 70 million.
He denied this amounted to a "numerical cap" on immigration and said he was not gagged after withdrawing from last night's Question Time on BBC1.
On its website, Manchester No Borders says it organises against migration management and is part of an international network of local groups resisting migration controls.
It goes on to state: "We have aimed to focus strongly on the theory linking border control, capitalism and the environment to help inform our practical actions resisting migration controls."
Mr Woolas was not available for comment.
