[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 469-470]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-216]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census
[Docket No. 971230314-7314-01]


Annual Trade Survey

AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of determination.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with Title 13, United States Code, Sections 182, 
224, and 225, I have determined that the Census Bureau needs to collect 
data covering year-end inventories, annual sales, and purchases to 
provide a sound

[[Page 470]]

statistical basis for the formation of policy by various Government 
agencies. These data also apply to a variety of public and business 
needs. This annual survey is a continuation of similar wholesale trade 
surveys conducted each year since 1978. It provides on a comparable 
classification basis annual sales and purchases for 1997 and year-end 
inventories for 1996 and 1997. These data are not available publicly on 
a timely basis from nongovernmental or other governmental sources.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Piencykoski or Dorothy 
Engleking on (301) 457-2713.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Census Bureau is authorized to take 
surveys necessary to furnish current data on the subjects covered by 
the major censuses authorized by Title 13, United States Code. This 
survey will provide continuing and timely national statistical data on 
wholesale trade for the period between economic censuses. The data 
collected in this survey will be within the general scope and nature of 
those inquiries covered in the economic census.
    The Census Bureau will require a selected sample of firms operating 
merchant wholesale establishments in the United States (with sales size 
determining the probability of selection) to report in the 1997 Annual 
Trade Survey. We will furnish report forms to the firms covered by this 
survey and will require their submissions within thirty days after 
receipt. The sample will provide, with measurable reliability, 
statistics on the subjects specified above.
    This survey was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, Public Law 96-
511, as amended, and approved under OMB Control No. 0607-0195. We will 
provide copies of the form upon written request to the Director, Bureau 
of the Census, Washington, DC 20233-0001.
    Based upon the foregoing, I have directed that an annual survey be 
conducted for the purpose of collecting these data.

    Dated: December 28, 1997.
Martha Farnsworth Riche,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 98-216 Filed 1-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-17-P