Procedure at the hearing

19.—(1) The appointed person may give directions to the parties concerning the procedure to be followed at the hearing.

(2) The hearing of the appeal shall be in public unless the appointed person determines that it is appropriate, fair and reasonable for the hearing, or any part of it, to be held in private.

(3) The parties may each appear at the hearing and may be assisted by any person.

(4) The parties may each be represented by any person whether or not they appear at the hearing.

(5) If either party elects to appear at the hearing, but fails without reasonable excuse to appear, the appointed person may proceed to hear the appeal and, provided he has considered any representations made by the absent party, determine it in the absence of that party.

(6) The parties may give evidence, call witnesses, question any witnesses and make submissions on the evidence and issues in the appeal.

(7) The appointed person may give directions at the hearing concerning the exercise of the rights specified in paragraph (6) where he considers that the directions are in the interests of justice.

(8) The appointed person may adjourn the hearing where he considers there are reasonable grounds to do so.

(9) The appointed person shall send to the parties, not later than three working days after the date on which the hearing is adjourned, a notice informing them of the place, date and time of the adjourned hearing.