[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 6971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4165]



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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census


Monthly Wholesale Trade Survey

ACTION: Proposed agency information collection activity; comment 
request.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Acting 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Ronald Piencykoski, Bureau of Census, Room 2626-
FOB 3, Washington, DC 20233-6500, (301) 457-2779.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Monthly Wholesale Trade Survey represents firms primarily 
engaged in merchant wholesale trade in the United States by selected 
kinds of business. This survey provides the only continuous measure of 
monthly wholesale sales, end-of- month inventories, method of inventory 
valuation and stock sales ratios. The survey also provides data for a 
valuable comparison for use with the 5-year wholesale census. The 
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) uses this information on methods of 
valuation and changes in the valuation methods to improve the inventory 
valuation adjustments applied to estimates of the gross domestic 
product (GDP).
    The survey currently uses a sample design that includes both fixed 
and rotating panels. Larger firms are requested to report sales and 
inventories each month, putting them in the fixed panel category. 
Smaller firms belong to one of three rotating panels that are contacted 
every third month and report data from the two most recent months. In 
this way, we obtain eight months of data through four contacts per year 
for the smaller firms. Under the current system, we release a 
preliminary estimate one month, and then revise it with a final 
estimate one month later. Revisions can be relatively large due to 
imbalances in the rotating panels and differential response bias 
between current and previous month reports.
    We plan to implement a totally fixed panel design for the next 
sample revision starting in early 1997. Under this new design, all 
reporting units will report each month. By going to a totally fixed 
panel design, we will greatly minimize preliminary-to-final revisions 
caused by the rotating panels.
    The fixed panel design will allow for better analysis of data since 
we will be able to more readily pinpoint unusual responses by reviewing 
each reporting unit's data each month. By using a simplified estimation 
scheme, the new design will also allow easier computation of an 
individual firm's effect on the total estimates.
    The fixed panel design will also give us better estimates when 
reconciling differences with other surveys. When we reconcile smaller 
firms with the Annual Trade Survey, (OMB Approval #0607-0195), we will 
have twelve months of data rather than eight. This fixed panel design 
will allow for better comparisons between these closely related 
surveys.

II. Method of Collection

    We collect this information by mail, facsimile machine, and 
telephone.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0190.
    Form Number: B-310(97).
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Merchant wholesale firms in the United States.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,110 per month.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 7 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,354 hours.
    Estimated Total Cost: The total cost in fiscal year 1996 for the 
Current Wholesale Trade Survey is $629,000 all borne by the Bureau of 
the Census. The cost to the respondents is estimated to be $67,052 
based on the median hourly salary of $15.40 for accountants and 
auditors. (January 1995 Bureau of Labor Statistics publication 
``Employment and Earnings,'' $15.40 represents the median hourly wage 
of the full-time wage and salary earnings of accountants and auditors).

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: February 20, 1996.
Linda Engelmeier,
Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 96-4165 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P