Covid-19: PCR and Lateral Flow Test Providers Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department of Health and Social Care
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
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Covid-19: PCR and Lateral Flow Test Providers
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts(3 years ago)
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Lord Kamall (Con)
I am not sure I completely agree with the premise of my noble friend’s question, but I will double-check. The decision had to be made that if people are contacted by test and trace, it is only right that they are sent a PCR test. But if they are travelling, should the taxpayer bear the burden of the cost of their PCR test, or should they? A number of travel companies are now recommending PCR tests for their passengers.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)
My Lords, it is not just Matt Hancock and Randox, or Rupert Soames at Serco: a large number of these companies that have multimillion—even multibillion—pound contracts for testing have links with Tory members, MPs and Peers. Is this just a coincidence? Is it serendipity? Or is it something more sinister?
Lord Kamall (Con)
I suggest that if the noble Lord would like to take a PCR test before he travels, he goes through a number of price comparison websites and chooses the one he feels is more suitable for him.