Shale Gas Extraction

Richard Holden Excerpts
Thursday 22nd September 2022

(2 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jacob Rees-Mogg Portrait Mr Rees-Mogg
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We need to get on with the exploration and the test drilling to see how realistic the forecasts are. A report in 2012 set out the potential for shale gas, which is very large, but the question that the hon. Member raises—how much of that will be realistically extractable?—is the right one, and it requires drilling to take place to find out.

Richard Holden Portrait Mr Richard Holden (North West Durham) (Con)
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Obviously, looking to these measures to increase security and supply is incredibly sensible in the long term, not only to get prices down but to deliver energy security. However, for the many constituents of mine still struggling with energy prices now, particularly those off grid, can the Secretary of State outline a few of those measures and say how he intends to go further in offering short-term support?

Jacob Rees-Mogg Portrait Mr Rees-Mogg
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I think we discussed that in the last urgent question, so I will ask my hon. Friend to look at Hansard.