The proposal to allow conjugal visiting rights in New Zealand prisons, being promoted by Corrections Minister Matt Robson is one of the more bizarre proposals to be put forward by an Alliance politician in a long time says, Hon Peter Dunne, leader United New Zealand.

"While I do not doubt his genuine commitment to rehabilitation this latest proposal is not only unacceptable it would be hugely impractical.

"One can only assume the Minister has chosen to fly a kite or has had a rush of blood to the head. Thinking New Zealanders will see this idea for what it is - a rather bizarre attempt to make prisons more humane, but clearly one that wouldn't work.

"His proposal to allow children to live in prisons is equally bizarre because prison can never be a good environment to bring up a child.

"Prisons need to maintain a balance between rehabilitation and appropriate deterrence. In the meantime the Minister should take a cold shower then focus on stopping people being sent to prison in the first place," concludes Mr Dunne.

ENDS