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<p>There is no precedent for the scenario above arising, in respect of hydraulically
fractured wells in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has been clear that the responsibility
for decommissioning lies with the licensee and has sought to reinforce this principle.
For example, as set out in the Written Answer of 10 April (HL15067) that as part of
the associated application for Hydraulic Fracturing Consent, the Government looks
at the financial resilience of all companies wishing to carry out hydraulic fracturing
operations, including their ability to fund decommissioning costs. My rt. hon. Friend
the Secretary of State will not issue Hydraulic Fracturing Consent unless he is satisfied
this has been appropriately demonstrated.</p><p> </p><p>To date, there have only been
two hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in the UK. The first, at Cuadrilla’s Preese
Hall site in Lancashire, has been fully decommissioned and the land restored to its
previous use. The second, Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road well-1z, is still operational.</p>
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