(a) Secretary's statement of reasons. Where an affected employee or authorized employee representative files a notice of contest with respect to the abatement period, the Secretary shall, within 10 days from his receipt of the notice of contest, file a clear and concise statement of the reasons the abatement period prescribed by him is not unreasonable.
(b) Response to Secretary's statement. Not later than 10 days after receipt of the statement referred to in paragraph (a) of this section, the contestant shall file a response.
(c) Expedited proceedings. All contests under this section shall be handled as expedited proceedings as provided for in Sec. 2200.103 of this part.