To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 February 2010, Official Report, columns 199-201W, on railways, if he will have discussions with the Association of Train Operating Companies on amending National Rail Conditions of Carriage to permit surfboards to be transported on trains. (319691)

Wider discussions are already taking place between the Department for Transport and the Association of Train Operating Companies about the National Rail Conditions of Carriage. At the same time a general review of the Conditions of Carriage is under way to ensure that they are in accordance with current consumer law.

The Association of Train Operating Companies has reviewed in particular the table in Section II Appendix B relating to the carriage of specified articles, including surfboards. The outputs of this review will be a proposal from the Association of Train Operating Companies on behalf of their members for the approval of the Secretary of State.