Welsh Government pledges support for Mustang Marine workers

The Welsh Government is “doing everything possible” to help Mustang Marine workers, says economy minister Edwina Hart.
The Pembroke Dock boatbuilding and repair firm went into administration on Monday (3 March) with the loss of 66 jobs. Mustang Marine is continuing to trade, however, and 48 staff remain.
In answer to a question asked by Assembly Member Joyce Watson at the Senedd yesterday (5 March), the minister said:
“We must do everything possible, and we are, as a Government, assisting in doing everything possible to ensure the future livelihoods of the workforce.”
Mrs Watson said:
“(The Mustang Marine) site boasts an outstanding facility in a great location, with a very highly skilled workforce that is ready to go…the objective for all stakeholders at this juncture must be to secure investment and re-establish a viable business as soon as possible”
The troubled company, which opened a £1.5m construction hall last November as part of an expansion programme, was the subject of debate at Assembly questions on Wednesday.
The minister could not provide a full update because of on-going “commercial-in-confidence discussions,” she said. However, Mrs Hart did confirm that the Government is taking legal advice on Milford Haven Port Authority’s financial obligations. The Port Authority is a 50 per cent shareholder of Mustang Marine, which currently owes local creditors hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The minister said:
“Obviously, I think that if you were to look at it outside of its legal obligations, its moral obligations, to me, are quite clear. However, there will be legal and moral obligations, and I do not wish to be drawn at this time because it is the subject of on-going discussion.
“I hope that I will be in a better position to update Members in about a week’s time.”