9.—(1) Where an inquiry is being conducted under regulation 4(1), the Board or the Inquiry Committee conducting the inquiry shall post or deliver to the Council member concerned —
(a)
a copy of the complaint or information received, and such other evidence obtained by the Board or the Committee as the Board or the Committee considers necessary; and
(b)
a notice inviting the Council member concerned, within 14 days of the date specified in the notice —
(i)
to give to the Board or the Committee any written explanation that the Council member may wish to make; and
(ii)
to inform the Board or the Committee whether the Council member wishes to appear before and be heard by the Board or the Committee.
(2) On the expiration of the period specified in the notice referred to in paragraph (1)(b), the Board or the Inquiry Committee shall give the Council member concerned reasonable opportunity to be heard and shall consider any explanation given by the Council member.