HC Deb 11 May 2004 vol 421 cc251-2W
Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action her Department will take arising from the collapse of the bus maker Mayflower; and if she will make a statement. [171355]

Jacqui Smith

Officials are in contact with the administrators and with the Regional Development Agencies and Devolved Administrations in the parts of the country in which Mayflower businesses are based. As soon as the new owners of the businesses are known we will contact them to discuss their plans and to ensure that they are aware of the support which could be available to take the businesses forward.

The Department is aware of the widespread concern arising from the failure of Mayflower Corporation. It does have powers to investigate companies under the Companies Act and we are also consulting with other regulators.