(1) Where required, time limits shall be fixed by the Tribunal by assigning dates for the completion of the various steps in the proceed- ing.The Tribunal may delegate this power to its President.

(2) The Tribunal may extend any time limit that it has fixed.If the Tribunal is not in session,this power shall be exercised by its President.

(3) Any step taken after expiration of the applicable time limit shall be disregarded unless the Tribunal,in special circumstances and after giving the other party an opportunity of stating its views, decides otherwise.