Lords quiz anti-frackers, waste management experts and energy advisors on shale gas
The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee will tomorrow (Tuesday 10 December) question campaigners against fracking in Lancashire, alongside representatives of Lancashire business and then energy advisors, as part of its inquiry into the possible economic impact of shale gas and oil on the UK.
In its first session, at 3.35pm, the Committee will quiz:
- John Kersey, Lancashire Chairman of the Institute of Directors;
- Lee Petts, Managing Director of Remsol Ltd; and
- Ian Roberts and Tina Rothery, of the Residents' Action on Fylde Fracking (RAFF).
The Committee will explore the witnesses' attitudes to shale gas exploration and development, particularly in Lancashire, including concerns the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, such as water, contamination and earth tremors.
Following on, at 4.30pm, the Committee will hear from:
- Peter Atherton, Head of Equity Research – Utilities, Liberum Capital;
- Philip Lambert, Lambert Energy Advisory; and
- Peter Hughes, Peter Hughes Energy Advisory.
The Committee will ask the witnesses about likely timescales for shale gas exploration and development in the UK; the likely impact of shale gas on the UK's energy mix; any lessons that the UK could learn from the development of shale gas in the United States; if the development of material volumes of shale gas will force significant changes in UK energy policy; and if the Government is doing enough to encourage shale gas exploration and development.
The evidence sessions will start at 3:35pm on Tuesday 10 December in Committee Room 3 of the House of Lords.
The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.
