(1) Whether a permit has been issued to a certain company (name furnished) for the exploration of shale gas in the Southern Karoo Basin, near Pearston; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the conditions of the permit; (2) whether any study has been done to ascertain the effect of water contamination for the area over a long-term; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether all parties and/or stakeholders concerned were consulted in the process of issuing such a permit; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether all parties and/or stakeholders concerned were granted enough time to lodge complaints with the proposed permit being granted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?