27.—(1) If any party to the proceedings to whom notice of an oral hearing has been given under paragraph 2 shall fail to appear at the hearing, the Commissioner may, having regard to all the circumstances, including any explanation offered for the absence, proceed with the case notwithstanding his absence, or the Commissioner may give such directions with a view to the determination of the case as he thinks fit.
(2) Any oral hearing shall be in public except where the Commissioner is satisfied that intimate personal or financial circumstances may have to be disclosed or that considerations of public security are involved, in which case the hearing or any part of it shall be in private.
(3) Where a Commissioner holds an oral hearing the following persons shall be entitled to be present and be heard
(a)the person making the application or appeal;
(b)the debtor;
(c)an adjudication officer;
(d)a representative of a trade union, employer’s association or other associations which exists to promote the interest and welfare of its members; or
(e)any other person with the leave of the Commissioner.