in terms of the hearing itself, the strict rules of evidence will not normally have to be followed (Ex p. Moore, [1965] l Q.B. 456, Richardson v. Perales 402 U.S. 389 (1971)). The tribunal is not restricted to evidence acceptable in a court of law; provided that it has some probative value, is relevant and comes from a reliable source, the court will consider it. Where there is an oral hearing, written evidence submitted by the applicant must be considered, but the agency may take account of any evidence of probative value from another source provided that the applicant is in fronted and allowed to comment on it. An applicant must also be allowed to address argument on the whole of the ease. These general principles are, however, subject to the following reservation. The overriding obligation is to pro-vide the applicant with a fair hearing and a fair opportunity to controvert the charge (R. v. Board of Visitors of Hull Prison, ax p. St. Germain (No. 2) [1979] 1 W.L.R. 1401, 1408-1412). This may in certain cases require not only that the applicant be informed of the evidence, but that the individual should be given a sufficient opportunity to deal with it. This may involve the cross-examination of the witnesses whose evidence is before the hearing authority in the fommal of hearsay.