The Examining authority may at any time before the completion of its examination of an application or specified matters request further information or written comments from an interested party, who must supply such information by the date and in the manner specified by the Examining authority.

The Examining authority shall on receiving any further information or written comments within the specified period, consider whether or not a further opportunity to comment in writing should be given to all interested parties and, if so, the Examining authority shall specify a period for making any further written comments.

The Examining authority and the decision-maker may disregard any information or written comments received after the date specified or in a manner other than that specified.