Parliament is likely to narrowly approve plans to make prisoners contribute to the cost of their time in prison, it emerged during a debate on Tuesday evening.

However, with only the two ruling parties and anti-immigration PVV in favour, the legislation is unlikely to pass in the upper house of parliament, political commentators say.

The plan to make people who are convicted of a crime pay towards the cost of the police investigation, trial and imprisonment was drawn up by former justice minister Ivo Opstelten and his deputy Fred Teeven.

If the legislation is passed, prisoners will be asked to pay €16 a day for a maximum of two years towards the cost their keep, costing them up to €11,680. There will be lower charges for the parents of minors. Ministers hope to raise €65m a year from the fees.

However, opponents point out that starting again with debts may increase the risk of re-offending. In addition, the measure will have an unfair impact on partners and children.

Christian Democrat and Socialist MPs say prisoners should be given more opportunity to work while they are in jail to pay towards their care.