Paragraph 51 Variation of time limits

The Chairman may extend any time limit under these Rules or in any direction whether or not it has already expired, where he considers that it would not be reasonable to expect or have expected compliance with the time limit and he may shorten any time limit where he considers that it would be reasonable to expect compliance within a shorter time limit.

Before deciding whether to extend or shorten the time limit the Chairman must give persons whose interests might be affected an opportunity to be heard or to make objections in writing and responses must be made within five days or such period as the Chairman considers appropriate.

Unless the Chairman otherwise directs, a time limit may be varied once by the written agreement of all parties provided that the Secretary is notified in writing of the agreement before the original time limit expires.

Unless the Chairman otherwise directs, a variation of a time limit under paragraph (3) must end not more than 28 days after the original time limit and end no less than seven days before a hearing.

Any application for an extension or shortening of time must be in writing, stating reasons for the delay and enclosing copies for all other parties.