Then you reply - you were only under a RIS so standard separation NOT provided - just traffic info.
As an aside, wouldn't that departure be listed (and billed) as an IFR outbound?
If he departs VFR and requests IFR, then the controller needs to decide if they can give an appropriate service.
For example - on Thames Radar, if Biggin want an IFR outbound outside CAS, they call us - if we are too busy to give a RIS or RAS they are told to stay on the ground (or depart VFR).
Thames get transit traffic outside CAS insisting on a radar service because they are IMC and getting ar$ey when we say we are too busy and it is a FIS.
cdb - "when was in under an Approach Control Service?" - not sure what you mean there?