(1) The court may appoint an assessor to —
(a) advise the judge at the trial with regard to evidence of expert witnesses called by the parties;
(b) assist the court in understanding technical evidence; or
(c) provide a written report.
(2) On making an order under paragraph (1), the court must decide —
(a) what fee is to be paid to the assessor; and
(b) by whom.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the court may ultimately order any party to pay the fee of the assessor.
(4) All communications apart from written instructions between the court and an assessor must be in open court.
(5) Before requesting a written report or opinion from an assessor the court must allow the parties to make submissions in respect of the form and content of the questions to be asked.
(6) Before giving judgment the court must provide the parties with the questions asked of, and any opinion given by the assessor and give them an opportunity to make submissions.