Speaking to Sky News, Shapps highlighted how a selection of Lidl stores across the Republic of Ireland have recently put packs of five lateral flow tests on sale for around £20 each.

The government plans to replace the current Day 2 PCR test requirement with a lateral flow test next month, although no date has yet been set.

"I look forward to the expansion of lateral flow tests, perhaps into supermarkets and elsewhere, as we get on to the point where people can buy those for returning from holiday," said Shapps.

But, when asked if a supermarket test should be accepted rather than a more formal means of testing, the transport secretary said it will be up to the Department of Health to decide the new testing rules.

"With PCR tests, you didn’t have to be supervised, you had to get that test in advance, you had to record the fact that you’ve ordered it, but you were then trusted to get on and do it," Shapps continued.

"Obviously the Department of Health will put some guidance in place as to how they want this to operate and they’re still working on that so I won’t tread on their toes, but I have every confidence this system will be up and running in good time."

Shapps added he was "still hopeful" the testing changes would be implemented in time for October half-term. 

"We’re working on the detail for this, and the private market is still having to respond to that shift to using lateral flows and of course they’ll need hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of them available," he said. "There’s a big task ahead, but I know my colleagues are working hard on that."