The Board may direct, orally or in writing, parties or their representatives to appear before the Board or a member of the Board at a specified time and place for a conference prior to or during the course of a hearing or, in lieu of personally appearing, to submit suggestions in writing, for the purpose of formulating issues and considering:

1. (a) The simplification of issues;
2. (b) The procedure at the hearing;
3. (c) The necessity or desirability of amending the application, answer or reply for the purpose of clarification, amplification or limitation;
4. (d) The mutual exchange among the parties of documents and exhibits proposed to be submitted at the hearing; and
5. (e) Such other matters as may aid in the simplification of the evidence and disposition of the proceeding. [Rule 9]

[24 FR 9307, Nov. 18, 1959; 24 FR 10445, Dec. 23, 1959. Redesignated at 47 FR 13805, Apr. 1, 1982]