25. The hearing of any appeal shall be in public except as to any part where the Board is satisfied that it will be considering —
(a)
information the disclosure of which would, in its opinion, be contrary to the public interest;
(b)
commercial information the disclosure of which, in its opinion, would or may significantly harm the legitimate business interests of the undertaking to which it relates; or
(c)
information relating to the private affairs of an individual the disclosure of which, in its opinion, would or may significantly harm the interests of the individual.
Procedure at hearing of appeals
26.—(1) Appeal proceedings shall be opened and directed by the Presiding Board Member, who shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the hearing of any appeal.
(2) The Board shall, so far as it appears to it to be appropriate, seek to avoid undue formality in its proceedings and shall conduct the hearing of an appeal in such manner as it considers to be appropriate for the clarification of the issues before it and generally for the just, expeditious and economical conduct of the proceedings.
(3) Unless the Board otherwise directs, no expert or witness of fact shall be heard unless the relevant expert report or witness statement has been submitted before the hearing of an appeal and in accordance with any direction of the Board.
(4) The Board may limit the cross-examination of witnesses to any extent or in any manner it considers appropriate.
(5) If, at the time appointed for the hearing of an appeal, any party to the proceedings does not appear, the Board may, if it is satisfied that the party has been duly notified of the hearing, proceed with the hearing and make such order as it thinks fit.
(6) The record of the proceedings of any appeal shall be signed by the Presiding Board Member.
Adjournment
27.—(1) The Board may, in its discretion, adjourn any hearing on any ground and may fix a date for a further hearing.
(2) The Board may, on the conclusion of a hearing, adjourn for any period of time for the purpose of considering its decision.