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IX. JOINT MEETINGS OF SECOND, THIRD, AND FIFTH COMMITTEES Chairmen : Mr L. D. Wilgress (Canada) Mr H. Santa Cruz (Chile) Rapporteurs : Mr J. Thorn (New Zealand) Mr O. P. Machado (Brazil) New Zealand Representatives Mr J. Thorn Dr W. B. Sutch Mr T. P. Davin Miss H. N. Hampton Agenda The Joint Second and Third Committee and the Fifth Committee each had on its agenda the item : " Relations with and co-ordination of specialized agencies and work programmes of the United Nations and specialized agencies." Each Committee also had on its agenda items relating to administrative and budgetary co-ordination, and in view of their common interests in such problems it was agreed by the President that joint meetings should be held on these items. Co-ordination of United Nations and Specialized Agencies The New Zealand representative (Mr Thorn) outlined the progress made during the past year towards programme, administrative, and budgetary co-ordination. There was a need, he said, for close consultation in determining the sites of both headquarters and regional offices of the various organizations. Mr. Thorn introduced a resolution requesting the Secretary-General and various committees concerned to continue their efforts to improve co-ordination, giving particular attention to the possibility of developing a joint system of external audit and common collection of contributions for United Nations and the specialized agencies, and drawing the attention of member States and specialized agencies to the recommendations presented by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions in relation to specialized agency budgets. There was general recognition that, in spite of the progress referred to, it was necessary to work towards still greater unity. While many considered a consolidated budget of the United Nations and the specialized agencies the ideal arrangement, it was realized that this was not practicable in present circumstances. It was agreed, however, that every endeavour should be made to develop a joint system of external audit and common collection of contributions.