David Clendon

Wellington, June 8 NZPA - The Green Party wants the Government to reconsider its decision to shortlist a British company, Kalyx, to run Mt Eden-Auckland Central Remand Prison.

The Government has decided to run the prison under contract and Kalyx announced last week it was on the shortlist.

The Green's corrections spokesman, David Clendon, said today Scotland's Addiewell Prison was run by Kalyx and it had been reported that riots and serious assaults had taken place there.

Mr Clendon cited other adverse reports about a detention centre in England which he said had been run by Kalyx.

"The Government needs to review its decision to shortlist this company and, more broadly, its advocacy for private prisons," he said.

"Private prisons have to make a profit, which means either cut backs on staffing levels and rehabilitation or charging more per prisoner.

"International evidence shows the Government needs to seriously reconsider its policy of getting private corporations to run our prisons."