[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 118 (Thursday, June 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 36860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15501]


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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 17f-1(b), SEC File No. 270-28, OMB Control No. 3235-0032

    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.

[sbull] Rule 17f-1(b): Requirements for reporting and inquiry with 
respect to missing, lost, counterfeit, or stolen securities

    Rule 17f-1(b) requires approximately 26,000 entities in the 
securities industry to register in the Lost and Stolen Securities 
Program (``Program''). Registration fulfills a statutory requirement 
that entities report and inquire about missing, lost, counterfeit, or 
stolen securities. Registration also allows entities in the securities 
industry to gain access to a confidential database that stores 
information for the Program.
    We estimate that 1,000 entities will register in the Program 
annually. We also estimate that each respondent will register one time. 
The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary to 
comply with the Rule 17f-1(b) is one-half hour. The total burden is 500 
hours annually for respondents, based upon past submissions. The 
average cost per hour is approximately $50. Therefore, the total cost 
of compliance for respondents is $25,000.
    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 estimates 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.
    Please direct your written comments to Kenneth A. Fogash, Acting 
Associate Executive Director/CIO, Securities and Exchange Commission, 
450 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

    Dated: June 12, 2003.
Margaret H. McFarland,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-15501 Filed 6-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P