PART IIIPROCEDURE
Notice of hearing15
1
Where the NCS appeals tribunal decides that there should be a hearing of the appeal, the Registrar shall, with due regard to the convenience of the parties, fix the time and place for the hearing and, not less than 28 days before the date so fixed (or such shorter time as the parties may agree), to send to each party a notice that the hearing is to be at such time and at such place.
2
The hearing of the appeal shall be fixed so as to commence not later than 6 months after the date on which the Registrar received the notice of appeal under article 10, unless the Chairman of the tribunal is satisfied that by reason of the special circumstances of the case it is just and right to extend that period and in such case the appeal shall be fixed so as to commence within such extended period as the Chairman may specify.
3
The Registrar shall include with the notice of hearing—
a
information and guidance as to attendance at the hearing of the parties and witnesses and the right to be represented as specified in article 14(2);
b
a statement that parties will receive a copy of the report of the tribunal and that this will contain its decision, any direction as to costs, and the reasons for its decision and any direction as to costs; and
c
a statement explaining the possible consequences of non-attendance and of the right of a party who does not attend and is not represented, to make representations in writing.
4
Subject to paragraph (2), the NCS appeals tribunal may alter the time and place of the hearing and the Registrar shall give the parties not less than 7 days (or such shorter time as the parties agree) notice of any such alteration; but any altered hearing date shall not (unless the parties agree) be before the date notified under paragraph (1).