Regulation 8 Power to defer or suspend service inquiry

(1)

The convening authority in relation to a matter may at any time defer the convening of a service inquiry panel, or, at any time after making a convening order, issue a suspension notice to the president to suspend the proceedings of the panel. A deferment or suspension must only be for such period as the convening authority considers necessary to allow for—

(a)

the carrying out of any other investigation, whether in the United Kingdom or abroad, relating to any of the matters to which the service inquiry relates or would relate, or

(b)

the determination of any—

(i)

civil proceedings whether in the United Kingdom or abroad;

(ii)

proceedings for any criminal offence in any court whether in the United Kingdom or abroad;

(iii)

proceedings in a service court; or

(iv)

a summary hearing.

(2)

The power conferred by paragraph (1) may be exercised whether or not the investigation or proceedings have begun.

(3)

A suspension notice under paragraph (1) may suspend the proceedings of the service inquiry panel until a specified day, until the happening of a specified event or until the giving by the convening authority of a further notice to the president to end the suspension.

(4)

A suspension notice under paragraph (1) must state the convening authority’s reasons for suspending the proceedings of the service inquiry panel.