The Secretary of State may, after the submission of the last written statement or document required under regulations 23 to 25, invite the applicant or the travel concession authority to appear before the Secretary of State.

When the Secretary of State makes an invitation under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State must also invite the applicant or the travel concession authority not invited under that sub-paragraph to be present.

The hearing pursuant to an invitation from the Secretary of State under this regulation must take place not less than 14 days after the date of that invitation (or, if invitations were given on separate dates, the date of the last of those invitations).

The applicant may appear in person or be represented by counsel, solicitor or any other person.

A travel concession authority may appear by any officer appointed for that purpose, or be represented by counsel, solicitor or any other person.