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5. Any exporting or importing country which is not a member of the Executive Committee may participate, without voting, in the discussion of any question before the Executive Committee whenever the latter considers that the interests of that country are affected. Article XV Advisory Committee on Price Equivalents The Council shall establish an Advisory Committee on Price Equivalents consisting of representatives of three exporting countries and of three importing countries. The Committee shall advise the Council and the Executive Committee on the matters referred to in paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 of Article VI and on such other questions as the Council or the Executive Committee may refer to it. The Chairman of the Committee shall be appointed by the Council. Article XVI The Secretariat 1. The Council shall have a Secretariat consisting of a Secretary and such staff as may be required for the work of the Council and of its committees. 2. The Council shall appoint the Secretary and determine his duties. 3. The staff shall be appointed by the Secretary in accordance with regulations established by the Council. Article XVII Finance 1. The expenses of delegations to the Council, of representatives on the Executive Committee, and of representatives on the Advisory Committee on Price Equivalents shall be met by their respective Governments. The other expenses necessary for the administration of this Agreement, including those of the Secretariat and any remuneration which the Council may decide to pay to its Chairman or its Vice-Chairman, shall be met by annual contributions from the v exporting and importing countries. The contribution of each such country for each crop-year shall be proportionate to the number of votes held by it when the budget for that crop-year is settled. 2. At its first Session, the Council shall approve its budget for the period ending July 31, 1950, and assess the contribution to be paid by each exporting and importing country.