8.—(1) For the purposes of these Rules, the request for a direction comprises the written representations of the person making the request for a direction.
(2) The Secretary of State shall, as soon as practicable after receipt, send–
(a)a copy of any written representations made to him by the appointed representative to the other party; and
(b)copies of any written representations made to him by persons pursuant to rule 6(3)(b) to the parties.
(3) If either party makes any further representations, the Secretary of State shall, as soon as practicable after receipt, send a copy of the further representations to the other party.
(4) The Secretary of State may proceed to a decision on a request for a direction taking into account only such representations as have been submitted within the relevant time limits.
(5) In paragraph (4) “relevant time limits” means the time limits prescribed by rule 6(3)(c) and rule 7(1)(a) or, where the Secretary of State has exercised his power under rule 11, any later time limit.