Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Written Statement of 17 May 2018 on Energy Policy, HCWS690, whether the definition of non-hydraulic fracturing excludes fracturing with the use of (a) acid, (b) gas, (c) other substances and (d) water below the limits set out in the definition of hydraulic fracturing in section 50 of the Infrastructure Act 2015.

In the Written Statement of 17 May 2018, the Government committed to consult on the principle of whether non-hydraulic fracturing shale exploration development should be treated as permitted development. The consultation sought views on a proposed definition of non-hydraulic fracturing shale exploration development. The Government will respond to the consultation in due course.