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Written question asked by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Friday, 10 December 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 December 2021. It was answered by Maggie Throup (Conservative) on Friday, 31 December 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Travel: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to ensure the credibility of private online PCR testing companies for travel purposes; and what penalties are in place to ensure that consumers are compensated when no test kit is received from private online PCR testing companies.

Answer

All private providers of COVID-19 testing services must meet certain minimum standards set by the Government. Providers must complete a declaration stating that their tests meet these standards.  If we become aware that a provider is not meeting these standards, we can issue a warning to demonstrate they have rectified their service. Where this is not corrected, we can remove their listing from GOV.UK. Where a provider’s activities pose a potential risk to public safety, we will refer them to the appropriate enforcement body. Where necessary we will support regulatory bodies undertaking further investigation of a provider and support any legal actions or interventions.

If a consumer has not received their test kit, they should contact the provider directly in the first instance. If the problem is not resolved, further information can be found on GOV.UK guidance on consumer rights at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
90837
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Compensation Private sector Travel Screening Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk