Since each communication issued may entail prolonging the proceedings, the proceedings are conducted in such a way as to manage with as few communications as possible. If a communication has to be issued, it will cover all the points which are necessary, or likely to be of importance, for the particular stage of the proceedings, e.g. the preparation of oral proceedings or of a decision.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/e_ii_1_2.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021