Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Charles Hendry and John Pugh

Thursday 12th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Charles Hendry]

The right hon. Lady brings tremendous expertise to this debate. We have already commissioned independent advice on some of the fracking issues, which is being subjected to wider analysis and peer review. One of the most thorough assessments has been requested by Sir John Beddington, the Government’s chief scientist. We will look at all the evidence. We believe that the technology has a potential that must be explored, but that will be done only with the most careful analysis of all the environmental and safety considerations.

[John Pugh (Southport) (LD)]

When can we look forward to the commercial production of shale gas in this country?

[Charles Hendry]

I think that it will be a while before we see commercial production. The situation here is very different from that in the United States, where, for example, landowners own the mineral rights beneath their homes. That is not the case in this country, so there is not the same economic driver. We are seeing some exciting assessments of the potential, but it will be some time before we see specific licences for development.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Charles Hendry and John Pugh

Thursday 1st December 2011 Commons Chamber

[John Pugh (Southport) (LD)]

May I return the Minister to the subject of shale gas? Given the figures that have been announced for gas in place in the Bowland field, is it not important for the Government to form an early view on what can be economically and safely extracted?

[Charles Hendry]

A great deal of work needs to be done to assess the role that shale gas can play. We are aware of the gas-in-place estimate, but it is very different from an estimate of the amount of gas that may be recoverable. Much more research is needed, but we are satisfied that if the extraction goes ahead, it can take place under the existing legislative requirements relating to safety and environmental protection.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Charles Hendry and John Pugh

Thursday 10th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[John Pugh (Southport) (LD)]

4. What assessment he has made of the potential role of liquefied petroleum gas in reducing carbon emissions.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Charles Hendry)]

In the heating sector, the carbon emissions associated with LPG are slightly higher than those for natural gas. It does, however, have the potential to reduce carbon emissions for those not on the gas grid, as it has a smaller carbon footprint than alternatives such as heating oil and electric heating, though higher than that of renewable energy technologies such as efficient ground-source heating pumps.

[John Pugh]

I thank the Minister for that response. He has adequately satisfied my curiosity on the subject, and I have no supplementary question, Mr Speaker.