The UK’s health secretary has asked the competition watchdog to investigate fees for PCR Coronavirus tests over concerns about excessive and vast ranging prices.
“People should be able to go on holiday, whether it's to see family or just to relax, without fearing excessive fees for PCR tests,” Sajid Javid said on Twitter.
He has called on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) “to see how we can crack down on unfair market practices”.
All travellers returning from amber and green countries require a PCR test.
The CMA said it would intervene after Javid asked it to help stamp out “exploitative behaviour” and “unfair practices” by 420 firms, the Times reported.
PCRs cost holidaymakers an average of £75 per person, including those who are vaccinated, but similar tests sell for as little as £30 or as much as £270, it said. The kits for use on days two and eight following arrival in the UK ranged from £23.99 to £575 on the government website one day last week, it reported.
Rather than wait for a long competition investigation, Javid has requested immediate advice from the CMA, the BBC reported.