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Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 16 January 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 January 2020. It was answered by Lord Duncan of Springbank (Conservative) on Monday, 27 January 2020 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Fracking: Licensing

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Duncan of Springbank on 9 January (HL Deb, col 302), whether those who hold a licence from the Oil and Gas Authority which allows them to undertake exploratory drilling in relation to shale gas, such as those in East Lancashire, can still apply for (1) drilling licences, and (2) planning permission in relation to such drilling, during the current moratorium on fracking; and what advice they have given to the owners of such licences.

Answer

The Government set out its position in the Written Ministerial Statement of 4 November 2019, confirming that it will take a presumption against issuing any further Hydraulic Fracturing Consents, creating a moratorium. Future applications for Hydraulic Fracturing Consent will be considered on their own merits by the Secretary of State, in accordance with the law.

Companies may still apply for drilling licences and planning permission for development which includes hydraulic fracturing. However, the shale gas industry should take the Government’s position into account when considering new developments.

No further advice has been issued to licence holders subsequent to the Written Ministerial Statement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL499
Session
2019-21
Related items
Fracking
Thursday, 9 January 2020
Oral answers to questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Licensing Planning permission Fracking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk