same by registered or certified mail to the Hearing Clerk.

(f) Corrections to the transcript or recording. (1) At any time prior to the hearing, any party may file a motion proposing corrections to the transcript or recording of the deposition.

(2) Unless a party files such a motion in the manner prescribed, the transcript or recording shall be presumed, except for obvious typographical errors, to be a true, correct, and complete transcript or recording of the testimony given in the deposition proceeding and to contain an accurate description or reference to all exhibits in connection therewith, and shall be deemed to be certified correct without further procedure.

(3) At any time prior to use of the deposition in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section and after consideration of any objections filed thereto, the Judge may issue an order making any corrections in the transcript or recording which the Judge finds are warranted, which corrections shall be entered onto the original transcript or recording by the Hearing Clerk (without obscuring the original text).

(g) Use of deposition. A deposition ordered and taken in accordance with the provisions of this section may be used in a proceeding under these rules if the Judge finds that the evidence is otherwise admissible and (1) that the witness is dead; (2) that the witness is unable to attend or testify because of age, sickness, infirmity, or imprisonment; (3) that the party offering the deposition has endeavored to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena, but has been unable to do so; or (4) that such exceptional circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the interests of justice, to allow the deposition to be used. If the party upon whose motion the deposition was taken refuses to offer it in evidence, any other party may offer the deposition or any part thereof in evidence. If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, an adverse party may require the introduction of any other part which ought in fairness to be considered with the part introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts.

[42 FR 743, Jan. 4, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 30674, July 27, 1990; 60 FR 8456, Feb. 14, 1995]

§1.149 Subpoenas.*

(a) Issuance of subpoenas. The attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence from any place in the United States on behalf of any party to the proceeding may be required by subpoena at any designated place of hearing if authorized by the statute under which the proceeding is conducted. Subpoenas shall be issued by the Judge upon a reasonable showing by the applicant of the grounds and necessity thereof; and with respect to subpoenas for the production of documents, the request shall also show their competency, relevancy, and materiality. All requests for subpoenas shall be in writing, unless waived by the Judge for good cause shown. Except for good cause shown, requests for subpoenas shall be received by the Judge at least 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing.

(b) Service of subpoenas. Subpoenas may be served by any person not less than 18 years of age. The party at whose instance a subpoena is issued shall be responsible for service thereof. Subpoenas shall be served as provided in §1.147.

[42 FR 743, Jan. 4, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 30674, July 27, 1990; 60 FR 8457, Feb. 14, 1995]

§1.150 Fees of witnesses.

Witnesses summoned under these rules of practice shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States, and witnesses whose depositions are taken, and the officer taking the same, shall be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States. Fees shall be paid by the party at whose instance the witness appears or the deposition is taken.

§1.151 Ex parte communications.

(a) At no stage of the proceeding between its institution and the issuance of the final decision shall the Judge or Judicial Officer discuss ex parte the

4 This section relates only to subpoenas for the stated purpose and has no relevance with respect to investigatory subpoenas.

merits of the proceeding with any person who is connected with the proceeding in an advocative or in an investigative capacity, or with any representative of such person: Provided, That procedural matters shall not be included within this limitation; and Provided further, That the Judge or Judicial Officer may discuss the merits of the case with such a person if all parties to the proceeding, or their attorneys have been given notice and an opportunity to participate. A memorandum of any such discussion shall be included in the record.

(b) No interested person shall make or knowingly cause to be made to the Judge or Judicial Officer an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding.

(c) If the Judge or the Judicial Officer receives an ex parte communication in violation of this section, the one who receives the communication shall place in the public record of the proceeding:

(1) All such written communications; (2) Memoranda stating the substance of all such oral communications; and

(3) All written responses, and memoranda stating the substance of all oral responses thereto.

(d) Upon receipt of a communication knowingly made or knowingly caused to be made by a party in violation of this section, the Judge or Judicial Officer may, to the extent consistent with the interests of justice and the policy of the underlying statute, require the party to show cause why his claim or interest in the proceeding should not be dismissed, denied, disregarded, or otherwise adversely affected on account of such violation.

(e) To the extent consistent with the interests of justice and the policy of the underlying statute, a violation of this section shall be sufficient grounds for a decision adverse to the party who knowingly commits a violation of this section or who knowingly causes such a violation to occur.

(f) For purposes of this section ex parte communication means an oral or written communication not on the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given, but it shall not include requests

for status reports on any matter or the proceeding.

Subpart 1-Rules of Practice Governing Cease and Desist Proceedings Under Section 2 of the Capper-Volstead Act

AUTHORITY: 7 U.S.C. 291, 292; 7 CFR 2.35,

2.41.

SOURCE: 45 FR 6587, Jan. 29, 1980, unless otherwise noted.

§ 1.160 Scope and applicability of rules in this part.

The rules of practice in this part shall be applicable to cease and desist proceedings, initiated upon complaint by the Secretary of Agriculture, pursuant to section 2 of the Capper-Volstead Act.

§ 1.161 Definitions.

As used in this part, words in the single form shall be deemed to import the plural, and vice versa, as the case may require. The following terms shall be construed, respectively, to mean:

Act means the Capper-Volstead Act, approved February 18, 1922, 42 Stat. 388, 7 U.S.C. 291, 292.

Association means a cooperative association, a federation of cooperatives, or other association of agricultural producers, as defined in section 1 of the Act.

Complainant or Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture, or any officer(s) or employee(s) to whom authority has heretofore been delegated, or whom authority may hereafter be delegated, to act in his or her stead.

Complaint means a formal complaint instituted by the Secretary of Agriculture requiring respondent to show cause why an order should not be made directing it to cease and desist from acts of monopolization or restraint of trade, which result in undue price enhancement.

Decision means: (1) the Judge's decision, and includes (i) findings and conclusions and the reasons or basis therefor on all material issues of fact, law, or discretion, (ii) order, and (iii) rulings on proposed findings, conclusions

and order submitted by the parties, and (2) the decision and order by the Judicial Officer upon an appeal of the Judge's decision.

Hearing means that part of the proceeding which involves the submission of evidence before the Judge for the record in the proceeding.

Hearing Clerk means the Hearing Clerk, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.

Judge means any Administrative Law Judge appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3105 (the Administrative Procedure Act) and assigned to the proceeding involved.

Judicial Officer means an official of the United States Department of Agriculture delegated authority by the Secretary, pursuant to the Act of April 4, 1940 (7 U.S.C. 450c-450g) and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. App. (1988)), to perform the function involved (§2.35(a) of this chapter), or the Secretary if he or she exercises the authority so delegated.

Respondent means the cooperative associations, or association, against whom a complaint has been issued.

[45 FR 6587, Jan. 29, 1980, as amended at 60 FR 8457, Feb. 14, 1995]

§ 1.162 Institution of proceedings.

or re

(a) Filing of information. Any person having information that any agricultural association, as defined in the Capper-Volstead Act, is engaged in any practice which monopolizes strains trade in interstate or foreign commerce to such an extent that the price of any agricultural product is unduly enhanced by reason thereof, may submit such information to the Secretary. Such information shall be in writing and shall contain a complete statement of facts detailing the price enhancement and the practices alleged.

(b) Consideration of information. The Secretary shall consider all information filed under paragraph (a) of this section, and any other information which the Secretary may obtain relating to a violation of section 2 of the Act. If the Secretary finds that there is reason to believe that any association monopolizes or restrains trade in interstate or foreign commerce to such an extent that the price of any agricultural product is unduly enhanced

thereby the Secretary shall cause a complaint to be filed, requiring the association to show cause why an order should not be made directing the assoIciation to cease and desist from such monopolization or restraint of trade. The complaint shall be filed with the Hearing Clerk, who shall assign to the proceeding a docket number and effect service upon respondent.

[45 FR 6587, Jan. 29, 1980, as amended at 60 FR 8457, Feb. 14, 1995]

§1.163 The complaint.

The complaint shall state briefly all allegations of fact which constitute a basis for the proceeding, and shall designate a time and place for the hearing in the matter, which shall be at least 30 days after the service of the complaint upon the respondent.

§1.164 Answer.

(a) Filing and service. Within 20 days after service of the complaint, or such other time as may be specified therein, the respondent shall file with the Hearing Clerk, an answer, signed by the respondent or the respondent's attorney. The answer shall be served upon the complainant by the Hearing Clerk.

(b) Contents. The answer shall clearly admit, deny, or offer an explanation in response to each of the allegations of the complaint, and shall clearly set forth any affirmative defense.

(c) Default. Failure to file an answer shall constitute an admission of the allegations in the complaint, and may be the basis for a decision upon the presentation of a prima facie case by the complainant.

[45 FR 6587, Jan. 29, 1980, as amended at 60 FR 8457, Feb. 14, 1995]

on the request of a party, be postponed or adjourned for a reasonable period, if the Judge determines that such action is necessary to avoid prejudice to the party.

§1.166 Consent order.

At any time, complainant and respondent may agree to the entry of a consent order. Such order shall be entered by the Judge (prior to a decision) or the Judicial Officer (after a decision by the Judge), and become effective on the date specified therein.

§1.167 Conference

(a) Purpose. Upon motion of a party or upon the Judge's own motion, the Judge may direct the parties to attend a conference when the Judge finds that the proceeding would be expedited by discussions on matters of procedure and/or possible stipulations. The conference may include discussions regarding:

(1) Simplification of the issues;

(2) Limitation of expert or other witnesses;

(3) The orderly presentation of evidence; and

(4) Any other matters that may expedite and aid in the disposition of the proceeding.

(b) Manner of the Conference. (1) The conference shall be conducted by telephone or correspondence unless the Judge determines that conducting the conference by audio-visual telecommunication:

(i) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;

(ii) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected to participate in the conference; or

(iii) Would cost less than conducting the conference by telephone or correspondence. If the Judge determines that a conference conducted by audiovisual telecommunication would measurably increase the United States Department of Agriculture's cost of conducting the conference, the conference shall be conducted by personal attendance of any individual who is expected to participate in the conference, by telephone, or by correspondence.

(2) If the conference is not conducted by telephone or correspondence, the conference shall be conducted

by

audio-visual telecommunication unless the Judge determines that conducting the conference by personal attendance of any individual who is expected to participate in the conference:

(i) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;

(ii) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected to participate in the conference; or

(iii) Would cost less than conducting the conference by audio-visual telecommunication.

[60 FR 8457, Feb. 14, 1995]

§ 1.168 Procedure for hearing.

(a) Time and place. The oral hearing shall be held at such time and place as specified in the complaint, and not less than 30 days after service thereof. The time and place of the hearing may be changed for good cause, by the Judge, upon motion of either complainant or respondent.

(b) Manner of hearing. (1) The Judge shall file with the Hearing Clerk a notice stating whether the hearing will be conducted by telephone, audio-visual telecommunication, or personal attendance of any individual expected to attend the hearing and the Judge's determination regarding the manner of hearing shall be made in accordance with paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section. If any change in the manner of the hearing is made, the Judge shall file with the Hearing Clerk a notice of the change, which notice shall be served on the parties, unless it is made during the course of an oral hearing and made part of the transcript or recording, or actual notice is given to the parties.

(2)(i) Any party may move that the hearing be conducted by telephone or personal attendance of any individual expected to attend the hearing rather than by audio-visual telecommunication. Any motion that the hearing be conducted by telephone or personal attendance of any individual expected to attend the hearing must be accompanied by a memorandum in support of the motion stating the basis for the motion and the circumstances that require the hearing to be conducted other than by audio-visual telecommunication.

(ii) Within 10 days after the Judge issues a notice stating the manner in which the hearing is to be conducted, any party may move that the Judge reconsider the manner in which the hearing is to be conducted. Any motion for reconsideration must be accompanied by a memorandum in support of the motion stating the basis for the motion and the circumstances that require the hearing to be conducted other than in accordance with the Judges's notice.

(3) The hearing shall be conducted by audio-visual telecommunication unless the Judge determines that conducting the hearing by personal attendance of any individual who is expected to participate in the hearing:

(i) Is necessary to prevent prejudice to a party;

(ii) Is necessary because of a disability of any individual expected to participate in the hearing; or

(iii) Would cost less than conducting the hearing by audio-visual telecommunication. If the Judge determines that a hearing conducted by audio-visual telecommunication would measurably increase the United States Department of Agriculture's cost of conducting the hearing, the hearing shall be conducted by personal attendance of any individual who is expected to participate in the hearing or by telephone.

(4) The Judge may, in his or her sole discretion or in response to a motion by a party to the proceeding, conduct the hearing by telephone if the Judge finds that a hearing conducted by telephone:

(i) Would provide a full and fair evidentiary hearing;

(ii) Would not prejudice any party; and

(iii) Would cost less than conducting the hearing by audio-visual telecommunication or personal attendance of any individual who is expected to participate in the hearing.

(c) Appearances. The parties may appear in person or by counsel or by other representative. Persons who appear as counsel or in a representative capacity must conform to the standards of ethical conduct required of practitioners before the courts of the United States.

(d) Order of proceeding. Except as otherwise may be agreed by the parties and approved by the Judge, the complainant shall proceed first at the hearing.

(e) Failure to appear. If respondent, after being duly notified, fails to appear at the hearing, and no good cause for such failure is established, complainant shall present a prime facie case on the matters denied in the answer.

(f) Written statements of direct testimony. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, each party must exchange with all other parties a written narrative verified statement of the oral direct testimony that the party will provide at any hearing to be conducted by telephone; the direct testimony of each employee or agent of the party that the party will call to provide oral direct testimony at any hearing to be conducted by telephone; and the direct testimony of each expert witness that the party will call to provide oral direct testimony at any hearing to be conducted by telephone. The written direct testimony of witnesses shall be exchanged by the parties at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The oral direct testimony provided by a witness at a hearing conducted by telephone will be limited to the presentation of the written direct testimony, unless the Judge finds that oral direct testimony which is supplemental to the written direct testimony would further the public interest and would not constitute surprise.

(2) The parties shall not be required to exchange testimony in accordance with this paragraph if the hearing is scheduled to begin less than 20 days after the Judge's notice stating the time of the hearing.

(g) Evidence. (1) The testimony of witnesses at the hearing shall be upon oath or affirmation, transcribed or recorded verbatim, and subject to crossexamination. Evidence which is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly repetitious, or which is not of the sort upon which responsible persons are accustomed to rely, shall be excluded insofar as practicable.

(2) Objections. If a party objects to the admission of any evidence or to the limitation of the scope of any examination or cross-examination, the party