On Monday 8th February I held a meeting in Westminster with senior representatives of companies who hold gas exploration licences in the Thirsk and Malton constituency. The purpose of the meeting was to make sure that any shale gas exploration in the area would be carried out in a way that is sensitive to the environment and landscape. Although I recognise the potential for a cleaner domestic energy source that provides local jobs, we can only consider this if it is done in a way that is compatible with the beauty and purity of our countryside. The companies accepted my arguments that we need to be very clear with the public about their development plans for the next five, ten and twenty years, and the need to detail the number of well pads, the distance between them, minimum distances from settlements and improved regulation.
It was agreed that the companies would develop clear guidelines covering all these issues and produce a pictorial or computer generated model that illustrate their plans. I will make sure that local people get access to this information so that they can see for themselves exactly what this will mean for the area they live in.
I also stressed the need for a single or lead regulator, rather than to rely on the current raft of agencies who look after different elements of the process so that everyone can have confidence that there would be clear lines of accountability for the supervision of any development activity.
I also promoted the need for improved financial benefits that go directly to the communities most directly affected by activity. For instance, in the case of the KM8 application at Kirby Misperton, the millions of pounds in potential revenue should go primarily to villages such as Kirby Misperton, Little Habton and Great Habton. We also discussed the potential for local gas networks to provide free or heavily discounted gas into local households and businesses.
I have decided to set up a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Shale Gas Regulation and Planning, which will press for local plans, improved and transparent regulation and more money for those most directly affected. The role of the group will be to hold the industry to account and make sure that the local economy, tranquility and beauty of our countryside is protected. As with all APPGs, meetings of the group are open to the general public.