[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 220 (Friday, November 14, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 61079]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29992]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 220 / Friday, November 14, 1997 / 
Notices  

[[Page 61079]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. 97-109-1]


Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information 
Collection

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment 
request.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's 
intention to request an extension of approval of an information 
collection in support of the export of poultry and poultry hatching 
eggs from the United States.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 13, 1998 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the accuracy of burden estimate, 
ways to minimize the burden (such as through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology), or any 
other aspect of this collection of information to: Docket No. 97-109-1, 
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, suite 3C03, 4700 River 
Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please send an original and 
three copies, and state that your comments refer to Docket 97-109-1. 
Comments received may be inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing 
to inspect comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to 
facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For information regarding the Certificate for 
Poultry and Hatching Eggs for Export, contact Dr. Andrea Morgan, Senior 
Staff Veterinarian, Animals Program, National Center for Import and 
Export, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, 
(301) 734-8068. For copies of more detailed information on the 
information collection, contact Ms. Celeste Sickles, APHIS' Information 
Collection Coordinator, at (301) 734-7477.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Certificate for Poultry and Hatching Eggs for Export
    OMB Number: 0579-0048.
    Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 1998.
    Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information 
collection.
    Abstract: The export of agricultural commodities, including poultry 
and hatching eggs, is a major business in the United States and 
contributes to a favorable balance of trade. In accordance with 21 
U.S.C. 112 and 113, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), 
collects information and conducts inspections to ensure that poultry 
and hatching eggs exported from the United States are free of 
communicable diseases. Receiving countries have specific health 
requirements for poultry and hatching eggs exported from the United 
States. Most countries require a certification that our poultry and 
hatching eggs are disease free. This certification generally must carry 
the USDA seal and be endorsed by an APHIS veterinarian. VS Form 17-6, 
Certificate for Poultry and Hatching Eggs for Export, is generally used 
to meet these requirements.
    We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve 
the continued use of this information collection activity.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public 
(as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. 
We need this outside input to help us:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, 
electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of responses.
    Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection 
of information is estimated to average .5 hours per response.
    Respondents: U.S. exporters of poultry and hatching eggs, Federal 
veterinarians, accredited veterinarians.
    Estimated number of respondents: 300.
    Estimated number of responses per respondent: 70.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 21,000.
    Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 10,500 hours.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 7th day of November 1997.
Charles Schwalbe,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 97-29992 Filed 11-13-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P