Prisons chief Edward Dyer yesterday hit back at claims that the Island's prisons system was too soft.

And he knocked suggestions that prison life was so easy, ex-cons re-offended so they could get back behind bars.

Mr. Dyer added that there was even evidence that a hard-line approach in prisons was ineffective.

"Traditionally, there has been a belief in some sectors that these sorts of things act as deterrents,'' he said. But he added: "If you call someone a dog long enough, they will start to bark. You have to be very careful how you handle these kinds of things.'' Mr. Dyer defended the prisons regime after prisons rehabilitation expert Dr.

Roy Williams -- who is a top figure in the Wood Shop Plus programme for offenders and ex-cons -- said ex-prisoners would try harder to stay out of jail if it was tougher.

And he extended an invitation for Dr. Williams to meet him to discuss the Island's penal system.

The Commissioner said: "I don't really know where Dr. Williams is coming from -- maybe I should speak to him.

"I don't know what provoked him into making these statements and I don't want to get into an argument with him about this.'' Mr. Dyer insisted: "There must be a certain level of discipline -- and we have many rules and regulations which have to be adhered to.

"But to make life more miserable than that for inmates is not going to help at all.'' Mr. Dyer added: "I certainly wouldn't like to do a prison sentence -- the basic punishment is the removal from society and the freedoms people enjoy in society.'' Dr. Williams spoke out after talking to Hamilton Rotary Club about the Wood Shop Plus scheme -- which teaches carpentry to released prisoners and those on day release from jail -- last week.

He said: "The feeling is `I don't have anything to do, I can have an easy life inside.' If they knew prison was a deterrent, they would try very hard to stay out of it.''