Hi
This could be an interesting topic depending on how other members view your question.
You said 'maybe the Fed wants to try to protect the industry from unsavoury low life crooks' - I would hope that thats exactly what they want to do! However, you implied that this is determined by whether or not you have been made bankrupt or not.
For the benefit of others that may not have seen a Federation application form they actually ask:
Do you have liability insurance?
Do you have personal accident insurance?
Have you been declared bankrupt? (If yes give details)
Have you been convicted of a criminal offence? (If yes give details)
Have your employees recieved adequate health and safety training?
Number of years experience in the industry?
Your qualifications and training?
and References.
It would seem to me that they 'score' the applications to determine overall suitability for membership. The fact that they ask for bankruptcy details would suggest that membership may not be determined on this question alone.
Maybe you should send the application form in with the details as requested and then question it if you do get refused (assuming you do have insurance, you can get references and you don't have a list of convictions as long as your arm that is
)
Regards
Mike Boxall