An inquiry looking at the environmental risks from fracking operations in the UK has been launched.

The Environmental Audit Committee is calling on experts to provide written evidence by the end of this month.

Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a technique designed to recover gas and oil from shale rock. The process includes injecting water and chemicals at high pressure into rocks so they force open and release oil or gas.

The Committee is inviting views that address the following points:

> Potential risks to water supplies and water quality, emissions, habitats and biodiversity

> Necessary environmental safeguards, including through the planning system

> The implications for the UK’s carbon emissions reduction obligations

Last month chemicals giant INEOS announced it would invest $1 billion (£0.64bn) in shale gas exploration in the UK.