Section 11
Place of hearing of petition for distribution
of Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955
(1)
Every petition for distribution shall be heard in such place as the Estate Distribution Officer having regard to the convenience of the parties and witnesses generally may appoint.
(2)
Every place in which a petition for distribution is heard shall during the hearing be deemed an open and public place to which the public shall have access.
(2A)
Notwithstanding subsection (2), the Estate Distribution
Officer shall have power to restrict public access to the hearing of any petition or any part of the petition if he is satisfied that it is expedient in the interests of public safety, public security or propriety, or for other sufficient reason to do so.
(3)
Without prejudice to the extent of his powers under subsection (1), where the question, or one of the questions, at issue in any hearing of a petition for distribution relates to a particular property, the Estate
Distribution Officer may, in his discretion, hold the hearing, or any part thereof at a convenient place on or near to that property.
Estate Distribution Officer’s power to summon and examine witnesses, administer oaths or affirmations, and compel production and delivery of documents