Re letter 'The Facts on Fracking” 11 Jan. 2013: Mr. Martin has given a very misleading description of this process. The 'hole” is not just bored!
It is drilled to the 'target” depth then redirected horizontally into the target layer.
A double pipe is installed with a sand mix layer between the two pipes.
The horizontal layers are perforated to allow the introduction of the 'fracking fluid” [a mixture of the necessary chemicals in water]. The fluid pressures are controlled to give shock waves into the shale or rock structure and release the oil or gas into the pipework. This technique has been used in the U.S.A. since the 1940s.
The question I ask Mr Martin is; : 'What is the difference in this method of 'mining” oil and gas to the methods used; in some cases for hundreds of years, to mine coal for fuel; rock for reduction to 'road metal'; concrete mix; etc; the mining for diamonds, gold and other precious metals?
They all drill or dig into the earth or rock structure, then blast to break it up in their for the particular purpose or product.
Oil or gas products are required by all people; world wide; for air; sea; road and rail transportation. For the manufacture of plastics; synthetic clothing carpets, garden and agriculture spray; and many other uses.
You name a product or service in today's society and oil features in its supply at some stage.
When you or someone else can develop a product or system to provide for all of these uses we could then look at reducing our search and production of petroleum products.
In the meantime stop being negative and rather look at ways of solving the situation not just criticising those who work to provide the standard of living we all prefer to enjoy.

Graeme Matheson, Bethlehem.