Energy Security: Gas Production

Debate between Lord Polak and Lord Henley

Tuesday 17th April 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Henley]

I am in total agreement with the noble Lord and I am glad that he is in agreement with me and my noble friend Lord Lawson.

[Lord Polak (Con)]

My Lords, the Institute of Directors says that shale gas could cut gas imports by half. National Grid says that shale gas could heat every home in the UK—notwithstanding that there could be 60,000 jobs with that. What are the Government doing to help the shale gas industry?

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, I hope that we are giving every possible encouragement to the shale gas industry. We think that the economic impact of shale, both locally and nationally, could be very large indeed. There will be opportunities for jobs and energy security, and in a great many other areas, through supporting that industry.