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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, of the shale gas extraction sites using hydraulic fracturing, (a) how many and (b) which have permissions to undertake exploration work.

The North Sea Transition Authority offers Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences. There are currently 151 onshore petroleum licences in effect.

These are not specific to shale gas, and do not give permission for operations. Further consents and approvals are required to undertake hydraulic fracturing activity, as well as from other regulators including the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.