In spite of good showering facilities we were concerned that women, received into prison for the first time, were not required to shower before entry on to the wings. However we were pleased to learn that an effective laundering system ensured that all women received clean blankets on arrival. We noted that reception staff made contact with Social Services or solicitors should such prove necessary. This is an example of good practice and is to be commended. Butler Wing 6.
Butler wing is a large, three landing building of conventional design.
We were pleased to note that, following recommendations made in previous reports, security gates and grills had been fitted on landings, to assist in the control of women and reduce the possibility of in-cell bullying. We were baffled by the logic of the cell certification, which appeared to have been carried out in order to satisfy population demands rather than take account of the proper treatment and conditions of prisoners. The cells themselves were too small to allow doubling up of prisoners in them. This had been recognised by the fact that none of the cells on the second or third landings were licensed to be doubled. The low screen beside the toilet allowed visibility to staff, but denied any form of privacy to prisoners.