1.Where the marketing authorisation holder so requests in his written observations, the Commission shall give him an opportunity to develop his arguments at an oral hearing.
The date for the oral hearing shall be set by the Commission.
2.Where necessary, the Commission may invite the national competent authorities or any other persons to take part in the oral hearing.
3.The oral hearing shall not be public. Each person may be heard separately or in the presence of other persons invited to attend, having regard to the legitimate interest of marketing authorisation holders and other persons in the protection of their business secrets and other confidential information.