Catchwords:

CIVIL PROCEDURE – separate determination of questions – formulation of questions – primary judge’s discretion miscarried because of error in relation to expected length of hearing of separate question – need for re-exercise of discretion – claim in professional negligence and for statutory breaches in relation to valuation of property for mortgage valuation purposes – limitation defence raised – whether separate question should be ordered in respect of limitation defence – where question essentially one of law and capable of resolving dispute if answered favourably to defendant – consideration of length and cost of any hearing of separate question relative to length of hearing and cost of full trial