The Forest Settlement Officer may, at any time, join any number of claims, provided that they are all situated in the same proposed Reserve, in order to hold a common enquiry, by reason of the same evidence being adduced or he may sever any claims joined or jointly made in order to hold separate inquires at his discretion. It shall not be necessary to take a second time evidence already recorded in an enquiry relating to another claim, provided the parties are the same or their representatives in interest. But, if, in deciding upon the claim of any person, the Forest Settlement Officer admits previously recorded evidence or documents, or recites a previous decision in disposing of a case, the person whose claim is thus treated shall be entitled to obtain a copy of such previous evidence, document or decision, as if it had been recorded during the enquiry into his own claims.
