Failure of member to attend appeal hearing
12.—(1) If a member fails to attend or be represented at an appeal hearing of which he has been duly notified, the appeals tribunal may—
(a)unless it is satisfied that there is sufficient reason for such absence, hear and determine the appeal in that person’s absence, or
(b)adjourn the hearing.
(2) Before deciding to determine an appeal in the absence of a member, the appeals tribunal shall consider any representations in writing submitted by that person in response to the notice of hearing and, for the purpose of this paragraph, any reply shall be treated as a representation in writing.