24.4.—(1) The general rule is that a witness summons is binding if it is served at least 7 days before the date on which the witness is required to attend before the court.
(2) The court may direct that a witness summons is binding although it is served less than 7 days before the date on which the witness is required to attend before the court.
(3) A witness summons which is—
(a)served in accordance with this rule; and
(b)requires the witness to attend court to give evidence,
is binding until the conclusion of the hearing at which the attendance of the witness is required. (Rules 35.3 and 35.4 contain rules in relation to evidence arising out of mediation of cross-border disputes.)