Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what recent representations he has received on the regulatory regime associated with fracking.

The Department has received a number of comments and has been made aware of recommendations by a variety of interested parties, including Non-Governmental Organisations and members of the public, that are relevant to the UK's shale gas regulatory regime. The UK has a strong regulatory system which provides a comprehensive and fit for purpose regime for exploratory activities, but we want continuously to improve it. The Office for Unconventional Gas and Oil (OUGO) works closely with regulators and others to ensure that regulation is also fit for purpose for production; and that it remains robust enough to safeguard public safety and protect the environment.

The Department is presently conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on further onshore licensing. The SEA consultation closed on 28 March. Some of the responses to this consultation are relevant to the UK's shale gas regulatory regime. All responses will be carefully considered before any decision is made on further licensing.