PANS-ATM 8.6.5.2 says:
When vectoring an IFR flight and when giving an IFR flight a direct routing which takes an aircraft off an ATS route, the controller shall issue clearances such that the prescribed obstacle clearance will exist at all times until the aircraft reaches the point where the pilot will resume own navigation.
Every time I think I know something it turns out I knew f£$k-all...
Thanks for the reference bookworm. For the avoidance of doubt, I assume a SID counts as an ATS route in this context and so the paragraph applies?
Having said all that, it's still my rear end on the airplane and I will continue taking all instructions with a hefty serving of salt...
