Decision on prisons inquiry expected

Parliament's law and order select committee is expected to decide next week whether to hold an inquiry into the Department of Corrections and the state of the country's prisons.

National MP Simon Power asked the committee to hold the inquiry, and last month proposed wide-ranging terms of reference.

Committee chairman Martin Gallagher, a Labour MP, said today Mr Power's request was discussed yesterday and would be considered again at next Wednesday's meeting.

When Mr Power asked for the inquiry he said the department was a shambles.

He wants the investigation to cover:

* Overspending on construction of regional prisons and its financial implications;

* Prison overcrowding and the housing of prisoners in vans and police cells;

* Staff more and recruitment problems; and

* Operational problems including parole non-compliance, contraband and cellphones in prisons.

The Government does not hold a majority on the committee, and if National gains the support of New Zealand First it will be able to force the inquiry.

- NZPA