Government is looking inside and outside the prison system for a short-term solution to the current overcrowding problem, Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox has announced.

She said Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott was looking at alternative places to house prisoners, but did not disclose any details.

And she ruled out building a new prison as this would run counter to Government policy of finding alternatives to incarceration.

Last week The Royal Gazette revealed that prison officers were warning of a crisis due to overcrowding and under-staffing.

On Friday Ms Cox told the House of Assembly: "It is important for the public to be aware that, while it is not necessarily a crisis, clearly it is an issue that requires careful scrutiny and a watching brief.'' She said the clear up rate in the judicial system was "extraordinary'', placing a burden on the prison system.

"It is causing strains and clogs in the system and when we choose alternatives to incarceration, we don't want to be talking about building a prison.

"I have talked to the Minister (Alex Scott) about some options for the short-term to use what existing resources we have within the prison and maybe other options, but people who ought to be in prison will not be released when they are a danger to the community.

"We have an issue. I would not say it is totally under control, but there are options under consideration.''