HC Deb 22 March 1967 vol 743 c264W
71. Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances No. 24008747 Private R. W. Grisman, of the 1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, was posted to Singapore after a summons had been served on him on 30th September, 1966, a copy being served at the same time on his commanding officer, to appear before the Weobley Magistrates' Court on 6th March, 1967.

Mr. Boyden

The summons was in a civil case, and as a matter of principle the Services do not deny to their members the freedom of choice of action which civilians enjoy in such matters. Members of the Services are therefore not held in this country or compulsorily brought back to answer a civil summons of this nature. Private Grisman went overseas with his unit on a normal posting.