HC Deb 16 February 1938 vol 331 c1904W
Mr. Magnay

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that naval and merchant-shipping interests resent the misuse of the signal of distress at sea, S O S, by the British Broadcasting Corporation and other commentators, including newspapers; and whether he will ask the British Broadcasting Corporation to substitute another designation for its urgent messages to relatives of sick persons?

Major Tryon

I am not aware of any resentment against the use by the British Broadcasting Corporation of the designation S O S for urgent broadcast messages to relatives of sick persons. I am informed by the Corporation that such messages have been so designated since 1924 without complaint from any quarter. I understand that by international agreement "M'aider" and not "S O S" is used by ships and aircraft for spoken signals of distress. I see no adequate reason for asking the British Broadcasting Corporation to alter their present practice.