Watson calls for Silcox statement

Haverfordwest-based Assembly member Joyce Watson has called on the Welsh Government to issue a statement following the collapse of Silcox Coaches.
At the Senedd on Wednesday (8 June) the Labour AM petitioned Leader of the House Jane Hutt for a ministerial response. Here is a transcript of the exchange:
Joyce Watson:
“Minister, could we have a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure regarding Silcox coach company? You will know that, on Monday, the 134-year-old Pembroke Dock-based company went into administration and that that resulted in the loss of around 40 jobs. It is of course really sad that a company with such heritage and roots in the community has ceased trading.

“Nonetheless, our concern now must be for those who have been affected by those job losses and also to secure the services that Silcox operated in Pembrokeshire, particularly school transport and essential local bus services.”
Jane Hutt:
“Joyce Watson has drawn attention, appropriately, this afternoon in a question to the business statement so that we are aware of not only the potential impact in terms of job losses and services in her region—and, of course, this is a matter that the Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure will be clearly looking at in terms of his new responsibilities.”
Despite attempts by administrators from Sheffield-based Wilson Field to secure a buyer, the coach company, which operated a fleet of 65 coaches and buses from its base in Pembroke Dock, ceased trading from Monday (6 June).
Pembrokeshire Council is currently trying to find new operators for the 357, 362, 371, 375 and 380 services, it said.