Energy: Shale Gas

Lord Teverson Excerpts

Monday 28th March 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Marland]

That is a very topical question. We hope that fracking—I use the word, which you might think has come from “Call My Bluff”, advisedly—is about to start in Blackpool. We should have the results of that this week. It is being observed. Once we have the results, we will have further study and a greater awareness of what is potentially there.

[Lord Teverson]

My Lords, is the Minister satisfied that fracking is environmentally safe? It has been suggested in parts of the United States that it can cause water pollution. Is my noble friend happy that that is not the case, certainly for the immediate Blackpool operation?

[Lord Marland]

I have just been asked by those on my own Benches what fracking is, so I will further the “Call My Bluff” scheme, if I may. It is hydraulic fracturing—sending in water and chemicals to discover whether there is shale gas there. My noble friend’s question refers to whether the water comes out polluted. It is therefore very important that the Environment Agency is on hand to establish whether it does.