PART IIPREPARATION FOR A HEARING
Preliminary hearing9
1
Where it appears to a Special Commissioner that any proceedings would be facilitated by holding a preliminary hearing, he may, on the application of a party or of his own motion, give directions for such a hearing to be held.
2
The Clerk shall give to the parties not less than fourteen days notice, or such shorter notice as the parties agree or the Special Commissioner sees fit to impose, of the time and place of the preliminary hearing.
3
On a preliminary hearing the Special Commissioner—
a
shall give all such directions as appear necessary or desirable so as to enable the proceedings to be disposed of expeditiously, effectively and fairly;
b
may, if the parties so agree, determine the proceedings without any further hearing.