Higher Pay Urged For Prisoners

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32126, 23 October 1969, Page 6

Higher Pay Urged For Prisoners

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 21. A strong case can be established, both for an increase in earnings, and also for payment of normal rates of pay to prison inmates in appropriate cases, according to the afinual report of the Parliamentary Public Expenditure Committee, tabled in the House today.

Pointing out that the policy of enabling prisoners to work for employers outside the prison had been very successful, the committee said it felt this would give prisoners a keen incentive to work.

The 1968 annual report of the Justice Department had said that the -ates of earnings needed to be drastically revised if prison earnings—20c a day—were to be restored to their 1950 values—let alone to a more sensible level.

The public expenditure committee report said recommittee report said recently there had been an unsatisfied demand for prison workers.

By encouraging prisoners to work in the community and by paying them normal wages, the committee felt that the saving to the country in the long term would be substantial.

“Under this proposal. Inmates would pay a realistic amount for board and lodgings and contribute towards the maintenance of their dependants,” the report (aid.

Additional sums could also be appropriated for payment of outstanding fines, for restitution. and for medical and dental treatment. What remained would be available to the inmate upon his discharge. By supporting themselves and their families, and by paying off their debts, inmates would be encouraged to take a more positive attitude towards life.