A bid to cut costs and travel with video court appearances live from Westgate Correctional Facility will not work, an Opposition spokesman claimed.

And Shadow Legislative Affairs spokesman John Barritt said a voluntary approach to the use of a $144,000 video relay system would mean prisoners opting for a "day out'' rather than appearing on a TV screen from prison.

Mr. Barritt said: "While this sounds good and it may look good, one should look beyond the legislation to see what the reality will be.'' And he predicted the majority of prisoners would not turn down "the chance of a drive to Hamilton and maybe seeing some friends''.

Mr. Barritt said: "If it were me in Westgate, I would probably choose to come in person and have a trip out.'' But Government backbencher Elvin James chipped in: "I've done my research -- most of those on remand would rather not come down to Hamilton and stand for a few seconds.'' And he added that many prisoners "don't want to face the courts, their alleged victims and those who in some way they may have shamed''.

Mr. James added that -- for prison officers -- escort duty was "an entire eight-hour work day'' And he said: "I see tremendous savings. There is a benefit to the accused because they don't have to come and there is a benefit to the Prison Service.'' The two clashed after Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox kicked off the debate on the Indictable Offences Amendment Act -- which was backed by the House.

She said: "This speaks, to some extent, as to how we see the courts evolving.'' And she insisted: "It's still of fundamental importance that such arrangements are not mandatory, but voluntary.

"This means we can change the way we do things without doing any harm to the process.'' Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon said the plan could save money, but questioned the likely level of use.

She said: "It could end up costing the country even more money -- it should not be optional, it should be mandatory so it will definitely save the country money.'' And Shadow Labour and Home Affairs Minister Michael Dunkley questioned the priorities of Government, although he added he backed the video appearances.

"I would have thought that the court reporting system would come before we look into a system like this here,'' he said.

The UBP's C.V. (Jim) Woolridge asked if the system would be civilian-run or by prison officers. Ms Cox said there will be no additional cost in manpower.