The Competition Commission Appeal Tribunal Rules 2000

PART VI THE HEARING

Hearing to be in public

23.  The hearing shall be in public except as to any part where the tribunal is satisfied that it will be considering information which is, in its opinion, confidential information.

Procedure at the hearing

24.—(1) The proceedings shall be opened and directed by the President or Chairman who shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the hearing.

(2) The tribunal shall, so far as it appears to it appropriate, seek to avoid formality in its proceedings and shall conduct the hearing in such manner as it considers most appropriate for the clarification of the issues before it and generally to the just handling of the proceedings.

(3) If, after the commencement of any hearing, a member other than the President or Chairman, is absent, the application may, with the consent of the parties, be heard by the other two members and, in that event, the tribunal shall be deemed to be properly constituted. A decision of a tribunal so constituted must be unanimous.

(4) Unless the tribunal otherwise directs, no witness of fact or expert shall be heard unless the relevant witness statement or expert report has been submitted in advance of the hearing and in accordance with any directions of the tribunal.

(5) The tribunal may limit cross-examination of witnesses to any extent or in any manner it deems appropriate, having regard to the just, expeditious and economical conduct of the proceedings.