Where to respond to a defended claim?

[Legal Man]

I am the claimant of a small claim case raised through money claim online. The defendant filed his defence to my claim, but I disagree with some of his responses. The case is now progressing beyond the direction questionnaire and I am expecting to receive the directions soon which will likely include a hearing and a Witness Statement.

What I need to understand is: where is the best place to respond to the defendant false claim in his defence? Would I respond to that in the Witness Statement and reference the applicable clauses and exhibits? Or save my responses to the hearing and raise it in the court?

I hope someone can help with me enquiry.

[des8]

CPR15.8 relates to claimant's response to a filed defence
Practice Direction Rule 15.8(a) provides that a claimant must file any reply with his directions questionnaire

[Legal Man]

Thanks DES8. I have already submitted my directions questionnaire a while ago. I ringed MCOL to confirm that, but they said I cannot respond to the defence now as my direction questionnaire is already filed. And now I have to wait for the directions and I will have a chance to respond in a later stage.

Thanks for your help.