18. Hearings

The Director-General shall, upon any request made by a participating interested party, not later than a period of fifteen days after publication of the determination regarding the application of a provisional measure, under section 22 or where the application of a provisional measure is not being considered, not later than a period of one and a half month after the initiation of an investigation, fix a date for a hearing at which all participating interested parties may present information and arguments orally.

A hearing under subsection (1) shall be held not later than a period of two months prior to the date proposed for the determination regarding serious injury or threat thereof and causation.

Participating interested parties intending to appear at a hearing shall notify the Director-General at least a period of one week prior to the date of the hearing, of the names of their representatives and witnesses who will appear at the hearing.

Hearings shall be presided over by the Director-General or his nominee who shall ensure that confidentiality is preserved, and shall organize hearings in a manner that ensures that all participating interested parties have an adequate opportunity to present their views.

The Director-General shall maintain a record of the proceedings at the hearing, which shall be placed in the public file maintained under section 19, with the exception of any confidential information.