This is a loooong read.
http://www.dca.gov.uk/research/2005/2_2005.pdf
(page 192)
Although the judges did not avert to this specifically, the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules is relevant
These Rules are a new procedural code with the overriding objective of enabling the court to deal with cases justly.
(2) Dealing with a case justly includes, so far as is practicable –
(a) ensuring that the parties are on an equal footing;
(b) saving expense;
(c) dealing with the case in ways which are proportionate –
(i) to the amount of money involved;
(ii) to the importance of the case;
(iii) to the complexity of the issues; and
(iv) to the financial position of each party;
(d) ensuring that it is dealt with expeditiously and fairly; and
(e) allotting to it an appropriate share of the court’s resources, while taking into account the need to allot resources to other cases.
Skip to the upper 170's and onto page 181. Read from there.
From what I can gather and I have not read it in these exact words.
The Judge is expected to make sure that the hearing is fair. For the hearing to be fair, you need to understand what's being said so you can respond or react accordingly or appropriately.