Owen Paterson: Strict checks on gas drilling
MP Owen Paterson today insisted that any gas exploration in Shropshire will only go ahead if stringent checks and conditions are met.
The former Environment Secretary, known for his pro-fracking views, used Twitter to write: "Europe risks condemning itself to oblivion as global manufacturer if it does not embrace fracking. UK must get a move on."
But today the North Shropshire MP made it clear that any drilling, whether to search for coal-bed methane or for shale gas, had to follow strict regulations. Dart Energy wants to test drill to see if coal-bed methane lies under land at Dudleston Heath.
Mr Paterson said: "If Shropshire Council grants permission for the drilling, the project will be subject to the appropriate environmental controls including scrutiny by the Environment Agency. Operations are also subject to safety regulation."