48.—(1) The court may decide to hear two or more appeals at the same time where it appears to be in the interests of justice to do so.
(2) The court may make a determination under paragraph (1) of its own motion or on the application of the Director or of a person who is the appellant in one or more of the appeals to which the application relates.
(3) The power of the court to make a determination under paragraph (1) shall be exercised by a judge advocate sitting alone.
(4) Before refusing an application under paragraph (2) or making a determination under paragraph (1), the judge advocate shall afford the Director and any person who is the appellant in any of the appeals to which the application or determination relates the opportunity of making representations to him.