Oral Answers to Questions

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts

Thursday 6th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right that rooftops are an ideal way to promote solar. We are working on a number of initiatives, but I am always open to suggestions and I will be delighted to meet her.

[Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

5. If he will take steps to tighten the regulation of fracking in the UK.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Matthew Hancock)]

It is incumbent on us to explore the potential of domestic supplies of shale gas safely and carefully. The UK has a strong regulatory system and we will be working closely with the public, regulators and industry to ensure that regulation remains robust.

[Ian Lucas]

There is legitimate concern about the safety implications of fracking. The Labour party has said that all proposed sites should have an environmental impact assessment. Do the Government agree with that approach?

[Matthew Hancock]

I agree that it is important to ensure that as we explore for this domestic energy resource, we do so cautiously and carefully. Environmental impact assessments are an important part of the planning process. The House is considering the Infrastructure Bill and we will listen to the debates on that.