HC Deb 28 February 1928 vol 214 cc207-8
40. Mr. BRIANT

asked the Postmaster-General under what Regulation, if any, a natural-born British subject is not eligible for the Post Office certificate of proficiency in radio-telegraphy; and why the fact of being the son of an allied alien debars him from the occupation of wireless operator on British ships?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The International Radiotelegraph Regulations prescribe that a person employed as a wireless operator on a ship must hold a certificate issued by the Government to which the ship is subject. It has been the general rule in this country since 1919 that such a certificate shall be issued only to a natural-born British subject whose father was also a natural-born British subject. This rule was made after consultation with all the Government Departments concerned and is considered necessary in view of the special character of the duties of an operator in charge of a ship's wireless installation.