Regulation 18 Directions in preparation for a hearing
The President may at any time before the hearing give such directions (including the issue of a witness summons) as are provided in this Part of these Regulations to enable the parties to prepare for the hearing or to assist the tribunal to determine the issues.
Directions given pursuant to regulations 20 and 21 may be given on the application of a party or of the President’s own motion.
A witness summons issued pursuant to regulation 22 may only be issued on the application of a party.
An application by a party for directions shall be made in writing to the Secretary of the Tribunal and, unless it is accompanied by the written consent of the other party, shall be served by the Secretary of the Tribunal on that other party. If the other party objects to the directions sought, the President shall consider the objection and, if he considers it necessary for the determination of the application, shall give the parties an opportunity of appearing before him.
Directions containing a requirement under this Part of these Regulations shall, as appropriate—
include a statement of the possible consequences for the appeal, as provided by regulation 23, of a party’s failure to comply with the requirement within the time allowed by the President; and
contain a reference to the fact that, under section 180(5) of the 1993 Act, any person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with requirements regarding discovery or inspection of documents, or regarding attendance to give evidence and produce documents, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale and shall, unless the person to whom the direction is addressed had an opportunity of objecting to the direction, contain a statement to the effect that that person may apply to the President under regulation 19 to vary or set aside the direction.