8.—(1) For the purposes of these Regulations, the request for a direction comprises the written representations of the person making the request for a direction.
(2) The directing authority must, as soon as practicable after receipt, send–
(a)a copy of any written representations made to it by the appointed representative to the other party; and
(b)copies of any written representations made to it by persons pursuant to regulation 6(6)(b) to the parties.
(3) If either party makes any further representations, the directing authority must, as soon as practicable after receipt, send a copy of the further representations to the other party.
(4) The directing authority must proceed to a decision on a request for a direction taking into account only such representations as have been submitted within the relevant time limits.
(5) In paragraph (4) “relevant time limits” means the time limits prescribed by regulations 6(6)(c) and 7(1)(a) or, where the directing authority has exercised its power under regulation 11, any later time limit.