(a) Any board of trade desiring to be designated as a contract market for a particular commodity option contract shall make application to the Commission and accompany the same with a written showing that it meets the conditions set forth in, and provides all the information and materials required by, these regulations.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Act and these regulations, in the event of a refusal to designate any board of trade as a contract market for a particular commodity option, such board of trade shall be afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the record: Provided, That pending the conclusion of any such hearing, such designation shall not be granted.