Sec. 1.298  Rulings; time for action.

    (a) Unless it is found that irreparable injury would thereby be 
caused one of the parties, or that the public interest requires 
otherwise, or unless all parties have consented to the contrary, 
consideration of interlocutory requests will be withheld until the time 
for filing oppositions (and replies, if replies are allowed) has 
expired. As a matter of discretion, however, requests for continuances 
and extensions of time, requests for permission to file pleadings in 
excess of the length prescribed in this chapter, and requests for 
temporary relief may be ruled upon ex parte without waiting for the 
filing of responsive pleadings.

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    (b) In the discretion of the presiding officer, rulings on 
interlocutory matters may be made orally at the hearing. The presiding 
officer may, in his discretion, state his reasons on the record or 
subsequently issue a written statement of the reasons for his ruling, 
either separately or as part of the initial decision.
[ 28 FR 12425 , Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at  29 FR 6444 , May 16, 1964;  41 FR 14874 , Apr. 8, 1976]

        Appeal and Reconsideration of Presiding Officer's Ruling