ACT leader David Seymour has accused Corrections and Police Minister Judith Collins of trying to break the law.

Collins sent an email to other MPs, saying if they wanted to visit a prison they should organise it through a Private Secretary in her office.

Members of Parliament have a legal right to visit prisons, and notifying the Minister is considered a courtesy.

Collins denied yesterday that she was trying to keep tabs on opposition MPs.

However David Seymour claimed that Collins was breaking a law intended to provide oversight.

"She seems to think she's above the law," Seymour said.

"All people, especially the government, must follow the law."

Seymour noted that allowing MPs free access to prisons is one of the last lines of defence for people who might be mistreated.

"The idea that you'd have to ask the person who might be responsible for the problem...it's an abominable, cack-handed constitutional error."