The Competition Appeal Tribunal Rules 2003

Directions

19.—(1) The Tribunal may at any time, on the request of a party or of its own initiative, at a case management conference, pre-hearing review or otherwise, give such directions as are provided for in paragraph (2) below or such other directions as it thinks fit to secure the just, expeditious and economical conduct of the proceedings.

(2) The Tribunal may give directions—

(a) as to the manner in which the proceedings are to be conducted, including any time limits to be observed in the conduct of the oral hearing;

(b) that the parties file a reply, rejoinder or other additional pleadings or particulars;

(c) for the preparation and exchange of skeleton arguments;

(d) requiring persons to attend and give evidence or to produce documents;

(e) as to the evidence which may be required or admitted in proceedings before the Tribunal and the extent to which it shall be oral or written;

(f) as to the submission in advance of a hearing of any witness statements or expert reports;

(g) as to the examination or cross-examination of witnesses;

(h) as to the fixing of time limits with respect to any aspect of the proceedings;

(i) as to the abridgement or extension of any time limits, whether or not expired;

(j) to enable a disputed decision to be referred back in whole or in part to the person by whom it was taken;

(k) for the disclosure between, or the production by, the parties of documents or classes of documents;

(l) for the appointment and instruction of experts, whether by the Tribunal or by the parties and the manner in which expert evidence is to be given;

(m) for the award of costs or expenses, including any allowances payable to persons in connection with their attendance before the Tribunal; and

(n) for hearing a person who is not a party where, in any proceedings, it is proposed to make an order or give a direction in relation to that person.

(3) The Tribunal may, in particular, of its own initiative—

(a) put questions to the parties;

(b) invite the parties to make written or oral submissions on certain aspects of the proceedings;

(c) ask the parties or third parties for information or particulars;

(d) ask for documents or any papers relating to the case to be produced;

(e) summon the parties' representatives or the parties in person to meetings.

(4) A request by a party for directions shall be made in writing as soon as practicable and shall be served by the Registrar on any other party who might be affected by such directions and determined by the Tribunal taking into account the observations of the parties.