Bishop of Guildford: Appointment

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Excerpts

Thursday 3rd July 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I agree with my noble friend. I hope the appointment will be made soon. It is very important that dioceses have bishops at the helm. I am aware that Guildford is in a very beautiful county, the most wooded county in the country. It is a fine place.

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Lab)]

My Lords, is Guildford a suitable place for fracking?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

I am sure that when the new bishop arrives he—or perhaps, if it is some time, she—will consider these things. The important thing is that we need an energy mix in this country. Fracking could well provide that. Clearly it needs to be done carefully and sensitively, but we should not pass this opportunity.