16.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the committee may make a decision under section 24(1), 25(1) or 26(1) of the Act (including any preliminary issue) without an oral hearing if—
(a)the parties agree in writing to dispense with an oral hearing;
(b)the committee consider that, having regard to the nature of the issues raised in the proceedings, sufficient evidence is available to enable it to come to a decision; and
(c)to do so will not, in the view of the committee, be contrary to the interests of the parties.
(2) Before making a decision under paragraph (1), the committee must consider any written representations submitted by the parties.