Sec.  1.241   Designation of presiding officer.

   (a)  Hearings  will  be  conducted  by  the Commission, by one or more
   commissioners, or by a law judge designated pursuant to section 11 of the
   Administrative Procedure Act. If a presiding officer becomes unavailable to
   the Commission prior to the taking of testimony another presiding officer
   will be designated.

   (b) Unless the Commission determines that due and timely execution of its
   functions requires otherwise, presiding officers shall be designated, and
   notice thereof released to the public, at least 10 days prior to the date
   set for hearing.

   (5 U.S.C. 556)