[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 13, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 25667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11882]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From:
Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information 
Services, Washington, DC 20549.
    Extension: Rule 17a-25 SEC File No. 270-482, OMB Control No. 3235-
0504.

    Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (``Commission'') is soliciting comments on the collection of 
information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit this 
existing collection of information to the Office of Management and 
Budget for extension and approval.
    Rule 17a-25 (17 CFR 240.17a-25) requires registered broker-dealers 
to electronically submit securities transaction information, including 
identifiers for prime brokerage arrangements, average price accounts, 
and depository institutions, in a standardized format when requested by 
the Commission staff. In addition, the rule also requires broker-
dealers to submit, and keep current, contact person information for 
electronic blue sheets (``EBS'') requests. The Commission uses the 
information for enforcement inquiries or investigations and trading 
reconstructions, as well as for inspections and examinations.
    The Commission estimates that it sends approximately 14,000 
electronic blue sheet requests per year. Accordingly, the annual 
aggregate hour burden for electronic and manual response firms is 
estimated to be 1,820 hours and 525 hours, respectively. In addition, 
the Commission estimates that it will request 1,400 broker-dealers to 
supply the contact information identified in Rule 17a-25(c) and 
estimates the total aggregate burden hours to be 350. Thus, the annual 
aggregate burden for all respondents to the collection of information 
requirements of Rule 17a-25 is estimated at 2,695 hours.
    Written 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 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. 
Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted in 
writing within 60 days of this publication.
    Direct your written comments to Kenneth A. Fogash, Acting Associate 
Executive Director/CIO, Office of Information Technology, Securities 
and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

    Dated: May 2, 2003.
Margaret H. McFarland,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-11882 Filed 5-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P