MP bets liberty on jail blowout

A Green Party MP says he will spend a night in jail if the Government can build a private prison at Wiri in South Auckland for $300 million.

David Clendon said yesterday he was prepared to bet a night behind bars that there would be a budget blowout for the prison which Corrections Minister Judith Collins said could be built for $298 million.

Mr Clendon said the Corrections Association estimated the cost at $500 million.

"I'm willing to bet the Wiri corporate prison will cost well over $300 million," the MP said. "If the minister gets it built for $298 million I will spend the night in Wiri jail."

The Government's proposal is to let a private contractor build and operate the prison in South Auckland.

Ms Collins said that, based on the usual Government-funded approach, a 960-bed jail would cost $298 million to build and equip.

If the project goes ahead Mr Clendon will have to wait several years before he finds out whether he is going to spend a night in jail.

- NZPA