[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 9, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6418-6419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-3045]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


Proposed Renewal of Information Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Treasury.

ACTION: Notice and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The OCC, 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 a continuing 
information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. Currently, the OCC is soliciting comment concerning its 
extension, without change, of an

[[Page 6419]]

information collection titled, ``Release of Non-Public Information--12 
CFR 4.''

DATES: You should submit written comments by April 12, 1999.

ADDRESSES: You should direct all written comments to the Communications 
Division, Attention: 1557-0200, Third Floor, Office of the Comptroller 
of the Currency, 250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20219. In addition, 
you may send comments by facsimile transmission to (202) 874-5274, or 
by electronic mail to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You can request additional information 
or a copy of the collection from Jessie Gates or Camille Dickerson, 
(202) 874-5090, Legislative and Regulatory Activities Division (1557-
L299), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E Street, SW, 
Washington, DC 20219. You can inspect and photocopy the comments at the 
OCC's Public Reference Room, 250 E Street, SW, Washington, DC, between 
9:00am and 5:00pm on business days. You can make an appointment to 
inspect the comments by calling (202) 874-5043.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OCC is proposing to extend OMB approval 
of the following information collection:
    Title: Release of Non-Public Information--12 CFR 4.
    OMB Number: 1557-0200.
    Form Number: None.
    Abstract: This submission covers an existing regulation and 
involves no change to the regulation or to the information collections 
embodied in the regulation. The OCC requests only that OMB renew its 
approval of the information collections in the current regulation.
    The information collection is required to protect non-public OCC 
information from unnecessary disclosure in order to ensure that 
national banks and the OCC engage in a candid dialogue during the bank 
examination process. Individuals who request non-public OCC information 
are required to provide the OCC with information regarding the 
requester's legal grounds for the request. Inappropriate release of 
information would inhibit open consultation between a bank and the OCC.
    The information requirements in 12 CFR part 4 are located as 
follows:
    12 CFR 4.33: Request for non-public OCC records or testimony.
    12 CFR 4.35(b)(3): Third parties requesting testimony.
    12 CFR 4.36(a)(2): OCC former employee notifying OCC of subpoena.
    12 CFR 4.37 (a) and (b): Agreement to limit dissemination of 
released information.
    12 CFR 4.38(d): Request for authenticated records or certificate of 
nonexistence of records.
    The OCC uses the information to process requests for non-public OCC 
information and to determine if sufficient grounds exist for the OCC to 
release the requested information or provide testimony. This 
information collection makes the mechanism for processing requests more 
efficient and facilitates and expedites the OCC's release of non-public 
information and testimony to the requester.
    Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved 
collection.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit; individuals.
    Number of Respondents: 180.
    Total Annual Responses: 505.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Total Annual Burden: 894 hours.

Comments

    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become 
a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:
    (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether 
the information has practical utility;
    (b) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information;
    (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected;
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection on respondents, 
including through the use of automated collection techniques or other 
forms of information technology; and
    (e) Estimates of capital or startup costs and costs of operation, 
maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

    Dated: February 3, 1999.
Stuart Feldstein,
Assistant Director, Legislative & Regulatory Activities Division.
[FR Doc. 99-3045 Filed 2-8-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-33-P