One of Reading’s MPs has clashed with Jacob Rees-Mogg on the prospect of fracking being re-introduced.

Fracking is a process of using high-pressure water hoses to break rocks which help resource companies extract oil and natural gases buried deep underground.

The practice, called hydraulic fracturing, is used throughout the world for resource extraction, with advocates arguing that access to oil and gas can help drive energy costs down.

However, there are serious concerns from others that argue fracking can cause instability and mini-earthquakes, causing environmental damage.

Recently, Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative, North East Somerset) announced a ban on fracking for shale gas in England has been lifted.

READ MORE: Fracking ban lifted as energy security made ‘absolute priority’ by Government

Companies require a licence from the Government to conduct fracking in an area.

Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East is among those raising fears about the risks, which he expressed in an exchange in Parliament with Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative, North East Somerset).

Mr Rodda said: “Residents across the south of England are deeply concerned about the risks of fracking and indeed oil drilling.

“Why is the Secretary State not listening to those concerns?

“And why is he also not listening to the concerns of the Government’s former Chief Scientific Advisor and indeed, those of the British Geological Survey?’

Mr Rees-Mogg replied: “Mr Speaker, quite properly, the concerns of this house are being represented by Members of Parliament, so they are being listened to by Her Majesty’s Government.”

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Mr Rodda referred to Sir David King, the former Chief Scientific Advisor, who warned in 2013 that fracking would have “extreme environmental consequences.”

The exchange took place in the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday, September 22).