The competitors watchdog is contemplating whether or not there are any “fast actions” the Authorities can take amid considerations in regards to the excessive value of PCR exams required for journey overseas.
The Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA) had beforehand confirmed it can look into points round testing, following a request from Well being Secretary Sajid Javid, however mentioned it can report its suggestions “inside the subsequent month”.
Now, the watchdog has mentioned it’s also taking a look at “steps that might be thought of within the interim” to handle what it described as a “notably urgent challenge”.
The CMA mentioned it’s taking a look at three areas: whether or not particular person PCR suppliers could also be breaching their obligations beneath shopper regulation and needs to be topic to enforcement motion; whether or not there are structural issues out there for PCR exams, affecting worth or reliability; and whether or not there are any fast actions that the Authorities can take within the meantime.
Some suppliers providing PCR exams which meet minimal requirements have been charging £200 or extra.
This week, Conservative MP Henry Smith, who’s the chairman of the Way forward for Aviation All-Get together Parliamentary Group, mentioned non-public Covid-19 exams should be capped at £40.
