Local Assembly Member Paul Davies has pressed the First Minister to address the reluctance of some banks to support businesses in Pembrokeshire. Mr Davies emphasised the concerns of a number of business representatives from his constituency and asked the First Minister what the Welsh Government had achieved in discussions with banks in Wales, to ensure they support businesses during this difficult economic time.

Paul Davies commented, "The difficult economic climate is being amplified by the reticence of lending from banks in Wales. Pembrokeshire has limitless potential for entrepreneurism and this should be supported by lenders. Banks need to realise that lending money can be mutually beneficial and a much needed injection into the local economy."

"The Welsh Government has a role to play to encourage banks to lend money to businesses. Whilst the Government has made efforts with schemes such as 'Finance Wales', it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure businesses can prosper. The Welsh Government must now show leadership on this issue and work with banks to ensure businesses in Pembrokeshire, and indeed across the whole of Wales, are able to access the funds they so desperately need."