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Fracking

Answer

There is potential for shale gas development to provide a substantial contribution to the UK economy in the future. Until more work is done to determine the extent of gas that can be technically and commercially recovered, we will not be able to accurately predict the entire contribution it can make.

The Government is determined that the UK economy will benefit from any shale gas development that might take place through benefits such as increased tax revenues, greater energy security, growth and jobs. On 13 December last year, we published for consultation, an environmental report as part of the process of strategic environmental assessment for further oil and gas licensing onshore. On a high activity scenario, the report estimates that oil and gas activities which might be carried out on new licences might create 16,000 to 32,000 new full-time equivalent positions in the peak development phase, including direct, indirect and induced jobs.

Prior to this report, the Institute of Directors estimated that 74,000 direct jobs could be created from the entire shale industry, including those direct jobs created from new licences.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

186924; 575 c444W

Session

2013-14

Subjects

Economic situation Fracking

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk