Appeal procedure: Special Director may decide appeals on merits if parties absent, subject to notice and hearing. The Special Director (Appeals) must send the appeal and order to the Director of Enforcement, issue notices fixing a hearing date to the applicant and the presenting officer, and hear both parties or their representatives. If either party fails to appear on the fixed or adjourned date, the Special Director (Appeals) may decide the appeal on its merits within the statutory timeframe provided by the amendment.