16.—(1) Subject to these Rules, the Tribunal may determine an appeal without a hearing.
(2) Where a party makes a request for a hearing, the Tribunal shall grant the request unless it is satisfied that the appeal can properly be determined without a hearing.
(3) Where the Tribunal decides to refuse a request for a hearing, it shall send written notice to the party making the request either before or at the same time as it makes its decision.
(4) A notice sent under paragraph (3) above shall specify the Tribunal’s reasons for refusing the request.
(5) The Tribunal may of its own motion and at any stage of an appeal, direct a hearing.