Blow to fracking in England as only five of 138 MPs in target areas voice support

Exclusive: Survey in constituencies with fracking potential show MPs against it or wary of commenting

• Tory MPs in north and south fear political impact

The prospect of fracking in England has been dealt another blow as only a handful of MPs for constituencies with exploration licences support the measure in their area, the Guardian can reveal.

When asked if they would support fracking in their constituencies, only five of the 138 MPs said they would. Forty one said they would be against it, while the rest did not reply, or declined to comment.