The Rt Hon Claire Perry MP Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 1 Victoria Street London SW1H 0ET Francis Egan Chief Executive Cuadrilla Bowland Ltd Cuadrilla House Unit 6 Sceptre House Bamber Bridge Preston, PR5 6AW - T: +44 (0) 20 7215 5000 E: enquiries@beis.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk 2 November 2018 Dear Francis, I am aware of the interview you gave in Wednesday’s Financial Times in which you made reference to the traffic light system for monitoring seismicity at shale sites. You were quoted as saying that the Government must urgently revise the current system. I believe that shale gas has the potential to be a new domestic energy source, enhancing our energy security by reducing our reliance on foreign gas imports. While some argue that we no longer need gas to meet out energy needs, I strongly believe that gas will continue to play a critical role in helping the UK decarbonise. We already import over 50% of our gas and developing a new homegrown shale gas industry will help to avoid relying on ever more imports in the future. Companies like yours are at the forefront of an industry that could grow the economy and create jobs that directly benefit local communities. As proof of this potential, I understand that Cuadrilla have already spent £8.9m directly with suppliers based in Lancashire, and that there are 714 local businesses registered on your supplier portal. While I hope the industry can thrive in the years ahead, I have always been clear that any shale developments must be safe and environmentally sound. I note that your Hydraulic Fracture Plan was developed and reviewed over several months with reference to existing regulations, including the traffic light system and at no point did you communicate that it would not be possible to proceed without a change in regulations. The UK has world-leading safety and environmental regulations to ensure that shale gas exploration is carried out safely and responsibly. The Government believes the current system is fit for purpose and has no intention of altering it. Yours sincerely, THE RT HON CLAIRE PERRY MP Minister of State for Clean Growth and Energy