Compensation For Escapers’ Damage

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30811, 24 July 1965, Page 1

Compensation For Escapers’ Damage

CFrom Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 23. A scheme to provide compensation for people whose property is damaged by escaped prisoners will shortly be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

The Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) said this today after meeting a group of persons living near the Waikeria Youth Centre. They were concerned at the

transfer of prisoners from Mount Eden and sought an assurance that a compensation scheme would be introduced. It is known that Mr Hanan has been working on this type of compensation for some time. It was mentioned soon after the Wilder escapes, when the amount of damage done by escapees while at large caused concern. Mr Hanan said he would regard such legislation as a logical complement to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act, which became law last year. The basis of the new legislation would be that prisoners at large, as persons in charge of the State and so with no civil rights, could not be held responsible for the damage they caused. This could include the conversion and wrecking of vehicles, the theft of food, clothing and valuables, and damage to premises broken into. It is assumed that new legislation will permit the Government to accept responsibility for such damage, and to pay compensation accordingly.