Article 24 Procedure at hearings

(1)

Subject to the 2004 Act, the 2005 Order and these Rules, the Tribunal shall conduct all hearings under these Rules in such manner as it considers most suitable to the clarification of the issues before it and generally to the just, expeditious and economical determination of the proceedings.

(2)

Subject to any directions by the Tribunal, the parties shall be entitled—

(a)

to give evidence (and, with the consent of the Tribunal, to bring expert evidence);

(b)

to call witnesses;

(c)

to question any witnesses; and

(d)

to address the Tribunal on the evidence, and generally on the subject matter of the reference.

(3)

Evidence may be admitted by the Tribunal whether or not it would be admissible in a court of law and whether or not it was available to the Regulator when the Regulator’s determination was made.

(4)

If a party fails to attend or be represented at any hearing of which that party has been duly notified, the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that there is no good and sufficient reason for the absence—

(a)

hear and determine the application or reference in the party’s absence; or

(b)

adjourn the hearing,

and may give any directions it thinks fit (including orders regarding the payment of costs under rule 26).