(1)
The opposite party may, and if so required by the Claims Tribunal, shall, at or before the first hearing or within such time as the Claims Tribunal may permit, file a written statement dealing with the claim raised in the application and any such written statement shall form part of the record.
(2)
If the opposite party contests the claim, the Claims Tribunal may, and if no written statement has been filed, shall, proceed to examine him upon the claim and shall reduce the result of examination into writing.