33   Inquiries by assessors

(1)  If proceedings are pending in the Tribunal, the Tribunal or the President may, with the consent of the parties, direct that an inquiry into any issue raised in, or other matter connected with, the proceedings be made by a single assessor.

(2)  The assessor making such an inquiry is to make a report to the Tribunal.

(3)  If a report is made to the Tribunal under this section, the Registrar is to furnish a copy of the report to each of the parties as soon as is practicable.

(4)  The Tribunal may, with the consent of the parties, adopt any findings or observations set out in a report under this section.

(5)  An assessor, in making an inquiry under this section, has and may exercise the functions of the Tribunal under section 83 (Powers in relation to witnesses).

(6)  An assessor who has made an inquiry under this section in relation to any proceedings is disqualified from further participation in those proceedings unless the parties otherwise agree.