Written question asked by Gordon Marsden (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 September 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 September 2019 (named day). It was answered by Kwasi Kwarteng (Conservative) on Monday, 9 September 2019 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Fracking: Lancashire

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what independent input the Oil and Gas Authority has sought to inform their investigations concerning the pumping of liquids by Cuadrilla into their fracking site at Preston New Road in Lancashire.

Answer: In February 2019, the OGA announced it would work with recognised and independent geologists and scientists to carry out a scientific analysis of the data gathered during Cuadrilla’s operations at Preston New Road between October and December 2018. This work includes inputs from the British Geological Survey (BGS), Dr Ben Edwards, Nanometrics Inc and Outer Limits Geophysics; further information can be found on the OGA website. Additionally, during operations the OGA seeks expertise from external experts, including the BGS and from Bristol University.

Secondary information