Regulation 7 Fixing and notification of hearingI1

The Secretary in consultation with the Chairman must, fix a date for the hearing of the case unless the applicant has requested in writing that the case be determined without a hearing F1and the Chairman has not directed that there be a hearing under regulation 6(3).

The date fixed for the hearing shall be the earliest practicable date having regard to any directions which have been made by the Chairman with regard to the preparation of evidence but shall be no sooner than 15 working days after the latest date on which the Chairman has directed that the evidence of the parties (including the statements of any witnesses or experts) shall be filed or exchanged.

The Secretary must inform the parties in writing of the date, time and place of the hearing no less than 20 working days before the date fixed for the hearing.

The Secretary may, in consultation with the Chairman, alter the place of the hearing and, if he does, must without delay inform the parties in writing of the alteration.

Subject to paragraph (6), the Chairman may adjourn the hearing, either on the application of either party or on his own initiative.

The Chairman shall not adjourn the hearing unless satisfied that refusing the adjournment would prevent the just disposal of the case.

If the Chairman adjourns the hearing, then the Secretary must, without delay, inform the parties in writing of the date, time and place at which the hearing will be resumed.