AN MP whose constituency looks set to be targeted by energy firms for fracking operations is set to chair a parliamentary group he set up to discuss regulating the industry.

Thirsk and Malton Kevin Hollinrake will hold the first meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group Shale Gas Regulation and Planning this week, and guests at the meeting will include energy minister Andrea Leadsom, senior Environment Agency and Health and Safety Executive officers, Newcastle University and Durham University research consortium on fracking Refine and campaign group Greenpeace.

Issues on the agenda will include the possibility of water contamination, earthquakes, density of sites, medical concerns, the role of the Planning Inspectorate and community benefits, all of which have been raised as Third Energy seeks to launch fracking operations at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering.

The parliamentary group was formed last month after Mr Hollinrake resigned from the energy industry-funded parliamentary group on unconventional oil and gas, after he was alerted to constituents' concerns about his membership.

Mr Hollinrake’s resignation emerged when Frack Free Ryedale, a group campaigning against Third Energy’s planning application, criticised his position on the group and urged him to give it up.

He said the group would aim to recommend an effective regulation and planning regime should shale gas extraction take place, rather than discuss the pros and cons of fracking and that it would not be sponsored by outside bodies.

The membership of the new parliamentary group will include MPs and peers from across the political parties, plus academics and representatives from various organisations.