Hearing procedure
10.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the Secretary of State shall determine the procedure at a hearing.
(2) A hearing shall take the form of a discussion led by the Secretary of State and cross-examination shall be permitted if the Secretary of State considers it necessary to ensure a thorough examination of the main issues.
(3) At the start of the hearing the Secretary of State shall identify what are, in his opinion, the main issues to be considered at the hearing and any matters on which he requires further explanation from the parties.
(4) Nothing in paragraph (3) precludes the parties from referring to issues which they consider relevant to the consideration of the request for a direction but which were not issues identified by the Secretary of State pursuant to that paragraph.
(5) The Secretary of State may–
(a)proceed with a hearing in the absence of any party;
(b)take into account any written representation or evidence or any other document received by him from any person before a hearing opens, or during the hearing, provided that he discloses it at the hearing; and
(c)from time to time adjourn a hearing and, if the date, time and place of the adjourned hearing are announced at the hearing before the adjournment, no further notice is required.
(6) When making his determination the Secretary of State may disregard any written representations, evidence or other document received after the end of the hearing.