8.—(1) Paragraph 9 shall be re-numbered paragraph 9(1).
(2) There shall be inserted after paragraph 9(1)—
“(2) The body responsible for making any arrangements under section 26 of this Act may when requested to do so by a pupil (if he is aged eighteen or over) or a parent of his (if he is under eighteen) who has appealed under section 26(1)(a) or (2) of this Act, in exceptional circumstances extend any period in which an appeal committee may hear an appeal and for communicating its decision.”.