Inflation might hit parolees

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34047, 10 January 1976, Page 15

Inflation might hit parolees

(N.Z. Press Association; WELLINGTON, Prisoners wanting to take advantage of the' work-parole scheme may be affected by a deterioration in the economy' and by inflation. They might find it harder to obtain jobs, and their weekly payments to the prison authorities for bed and board will be increased. Last year. 518 prisoners ini medium security prisons, took advantage of the work- ■ parole scheme, which en-l ables them to leave the prison during the day to go to work: and return at night. The Justice Department’s: senior executive officer (Penal i Division). Mr F. K. Stewart.: said that many employ-'

ers had been helpful in providing jobs. He said that prisoners paid the authorities $13.60 a week for accommodation, but this rate was to be reviewed soon because of rising costs. Those who were married made payments towards the maintenance of a wife or other dependants. Only a small percentage of those who took advantage of the; scheme did not have debts or other financial commitments. Mr Stewart said that, because of the extent of the demand for labour in recent years, employers had sought prisoners to fill jobs. They found them more reliable than many other workers they employed. But if fewer jobs were available it might be more difficult to obtain jobs under the parole scheme.