17.—(1) Subject to these Regulations, the procedure at a hearing shall be determined by the tribunal.
(2) The tribunal may proceed with the hearing in the absence of either party, whether represented or not, if it appears to be just and proper to do so, and may adjourn it from time to time if it appears necessary to do so.
(3) Unless the tribunal determines otherwise, the evidence adduced by the appellant shall be given first.
(4) Witnesses giving evidence at the hearing may be subject to questioning and cross-questioning.
(5) Any question as to whether any evidence is admissible, or whether any question should or should not be put to a witness, shall be determined by the tribunal.
(6) A verbatim record of evidence given at the hearing shall be taken; and the Board shall keep such record for a period of not less than two years from the date of the end of the hearing.