(a) compliance with any standard or specification; (b) interoperability with any specified system; (c) the handling or creation of any specified data format or the ability to handle any specified communications protocol. (3) Guidelines referred to in subsection (1) may specify any matter with reference to any published standards document, whether by a standards body created by or under the laws of any country, an international standards body, any group created by any industry or any document issued by the producer of any hardware or software: Provided that the guidelines in question must specify a place where such standard document may be inspected during such hours and at such places as may be specified. (4) If it is necessary to exercise any power, or to accept a tender, conclude a contract or to perform any similar action, non-compliance with the guidelines issued in terms of this section is a ground for refusal to perform such action, if a matter contained in a guideline is relevant for the performance of the action in question. Secretariat 15. (1) The Permanent Secretary must ensure the allocation of staff members for the purpose of performing the functions, inclusive of the secretarial services, of the Council, with due regard to the resources of the Ministry. (2) The Council may with the approval of the Minister appoint a consultant to perform any service to the Council or a committee that may be necessary or desirable for the performance of its functions. CHAPTER 3 LEGAL RECOGNITION AND EFFECT OF DATA MESSAGES AND ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS Application of this Chapter 16