4.—(1) The Arbitrator must make an award on the substantive difference based solely on the written material submitted by the parties unless the Arbitrator decides that a hearing is necessary to explain or resolve any matters.
(2) Either party may, within 2 days of delivery of the last submission, request a hearing giving specific reasons why it considers a hearing is required.
(3) Within 5 days of receiving the last submission, the Arbitrator will notify the parties whether a hearing is to be held and the length of that hearing.
(4) Within 10 days of the Arbitrator advising the parties that he will hold a hearing, the date and venue for the hearing will be fixed by agreement with the parties, save that if there is no agreement the Arbitrator must direct a date and venue which he considers is fair and reasonable in all the circumstances. The date for the hearing must not be less than 35 days from the date of the Arbitrator’s direction confirming the date and venue of the hearing.
(5) A decision must be made by the Arbitrator on whether there is any need for expert evidence to be submitted orally at the hearing. If oral expert evidence is required by the Arbitrator, then any expert(s) attending the hearing may be asked questions by the Arbitrator.
(6) There is no process of examination and cross-examination of experts, but the Arbitrator will invite the parties to ask questions of the experts by way of clarification of any answers given by the expert(s) in response to the Arbitrator’s questions. Prior to the hearing the procedure for the expert(s) is—
(a)at least 20 days before a hearing, the Arbitrator will provide a list of issues to be addressed by the expert(s);
(b)if more than one expert is called, they will jointly confer and produce a joint report or reports within 10 days of the issues being provided; and
(c)the form and content of a joint report will be as directed by the Arbitrator and must be provided at least 5 days before the hearing.
(7) Within 10 days of a Hearing or a decision by the Arbitrator that no hearing is to be held the Parties may by way of exchange provide the Arbitrator with a final submission in connection with the matters in dispute and any submissions on costs. The Arbitrator will take these submissions into account in the Award.
(8) The Arbitrator may make other directions or rulings as considered appropriate in order to ensure that the parties comply with the timetable and procedures to achieve an award on the substantive difference within 4 months of the date on which they are appointed, unless both parties otherwise agree to an extension to the date for the award.
(9) If a party fails to comply with the timetable, procedure or any other direction then the Arbitrator may continue in the absence of a party or submission or document, and may make a decision on the information before them attaching the appropriate weight to any evidence submitted beyond any timetable or in breach of any procedure and/or direction.
(10) The Arbitrator’s award must include reasons. The parties will accept that the extent to which reasons are given is to be proportionate to the issues in dispute and the time available to the Arbitrator to deliver the award.