The Inquiry Rules 2006

Oral evidence

10.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (5), where a witness is giving oral evidence at an inquiry hearing, only counsel to the inquiry (or, if counsel has not been appointed, the solicitor to the inquiry) and the inquiry panel may ask questions of that witness.

(2) Where a witness, whether a core participant or otherwise, has been questioned orally in the course of an inquiry hearing pursuant to paragraph (1), the chairman may direct that the recognised legal representative of that witness may ask the witness questions.

(3) Where—

(a) a witness other than a core participant has been questioned orally in the course of an inquiry hearing by counsel to the inquiry, or by the inquiry panel; and

(b) that witness’s evidence directly relates to the evidence of another witness,

the recognised legal representative of the witness to whom the evidence relates may apply to the chairman for permission to question the witness who has given oral evidence.

(4) The recognised legal representative of a core participant may apply to the chairman for permission to ask questions of a witness giving oral evidence.

(5) When making an application under paragraphs (3) or (4), the recognised legal representative must state—

(a) the issues in respect of which a witness is to be questioned; and

(b) whether the questioning will raise new issues or, if not, why the questioning should be permitted.