(1)  On the hearing of a general application for directions, the Court or a judge –

(a) is to make any order as may be appropriate in relation to the steps to be taken in the proceeding and the costs of those steps; and

(b) may exercise any of the powers conferred by rule 550 .

(2)  On the hearing of a general application for directions in an action in tort brought by one of the parties to a marriage against the other during the subsistence of the marriage in which an application for a stay has not been made, the judge is to consider whether the power to stay the action under section 7A(2) of the Married Women's Property Act 1935 ought to be exercised, whether or not that matter is raised by a party.