The General Optical Council (Registration Appeals Rules) Order of Council 2005

Joinder

16.—(1) If the conditions specified in paragraph (2) are satisfied, the respondent may apply to the Registration Appeals Committee for a direction that one hearing may be held in relation to—

(a) two or more appellants, or

(b) two or more applicants.

(2) The conditions are that—

(a) all reasonable efforts have been made to notify each appellant or applicant of the hearing at which the application under paragraph (1) is to be determined; and

(b) each appellant or applicant is offered an opportunity to be heard on the application.

(3) The Registration Appeals Committee may, where just to do so, direct that one hearing be held in relation two or more appellants or two or more applicants and, where such a direction is made—

(a) these Rules shall have effect in relation to the hearing with the necessary adaptations; and

(b) each appellant or applicant shall be able to exercise any of the rights granted to him or it under these Rules whether or not any other person wishes to exercise that right.