Some divisions of General Commissioners may be prepared to hold a preliminary hearing where the parties are experiencing difficulty in agreeing the issues to be determined or other problems arise during the preparation for a hearing. Where the appellant is unable or unwilling to set out the point at issue in a form that is acceptable, after being invited to do so, you should set out what in your view is the point at issue and invite the appellant's agreement. If he then fails to respond, you will be able to demonstrate to the Commissioners why they must define the issues before they can adjudicate on them. They may also be prepared to grant an adjournment if you are taken by surprise by a wholly new development or contention.
