Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Geotechnical Data

03 March 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Mike Reader Lab Northampton South

Energy

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mike Reader raised concerns about geotechnical data in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mike Reader moved a Bill to address the collection, standardization, and secure sharing of geotechnical data from ground and site investigations.
  • He highlighted the potential annual savings of 1.2 billion and a reduction in the carbon footprint in construction.
  • The proposals received support from various industry professionals and experts.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Mike Reader Lab Northampton South

Mike Reader moved a Bill to address the collection, standardization, and secure sharing of geotechnical data derived from ground and site investigations. He highlighted the historical importance of geological data for infrastructure projects, emphasising the need to integrate such data into the National Underground Asset Register to improve construction efficiency and reduce costs. He cited the potential annual savings of £1.2 billion and a carbon footprint reduction in construction. He also mentioned the support from various industry professionals and experts for his proposals, stressing the need for legislative modernisation to support national ambitions in construction, energy, and infrastructure.

Other contributors (1)
  • Mike Reader Lab Northampton South

    Mike Reader emphasised the historical significance of geological data, noting that proper understanding of the ground leads to better outcomes in construction and infrastructure. He argued that the current system leads to duplication and inefficiency, costing the UK millions annually. He proposed integrating ground investigation data into the national underground asset register and securing data sharing to reduce programme risks and environmental impact. He cited industry support and the economic benefits of his proposals, including potential annual savings of £1.2 billion and carbon footprint reduction.

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