(a) Even though some or all of the parties or their duly authorized representatives should fail to appear, the board may consider fully the matter pending if notice has been given in accordance with this chapter. Such consideration shall be on the basis of any evidence admitted at the hearings and all pleadings, exhibits, briefs, and other materials presented in connection therewith.      
        (b) Absence of counsel shall not be good cause for a continuance or postponement of a cause when called for hearing, except that it be allowed in the discretion of the hearings examiner or board, upon cause shown or upon matters within the knowledge or information of the hearings examiner or board to be stated on the record.       
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §343.29 adopted to be effective January 7, 1992, 16 TexReg 7645.