Prison underfloor heating luxury, says National

Simon Power said the heating systems were 'astounding'. Picture / Mark Mitchell.

The Government is denying National Party claims that underfloor heating installed in four new prisons is a "luxury".

National Party law and order spokesman Simon Power yesterday revealed that underfloor heating has been, or will be, installed in Northland, Auckland Women's, Springhill and Otago Prisons.

Mr Power said that fact was "astounding" when most taxpayers could not afford to have such "luxury" heating in their own homes.

"The public would not be expecting to pay for it for some of our worst criminals, least of all those in subtropical Northland."

Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor has previously said the new prisons, which are projected to cost $140 million more than originally planned, would not be "gold-plated".

In answer to parliamentary questions from Mr Power, Mr O'Connor said underfloor heating was the most cost-effective and tamper-proof system for the prisons.

"Underfloor heating is considered to be the most cost-effective heating option for institutional use where people occupy the building 24 hours a day.

"Electrical reticulation and power outlets are completely enclosed and tamperproof."

Mr O'Connor did not provide the cost of the underfloor heating in response to questions from Mr Power.

However the State Services Commission is conducting an inquiry into the cost blowout of the four new prisons.

The review, announced in January, is due to be completed in the next month.

Mr O'Connor also recently announced a review of the Corrections Department's head office.

- NZPA