E6-17537. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Upon written request, copies available from: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549.

Extension: Form 18-K; OMB Control No. 3235-0120; SEC File No. 270-108.

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 Budget for approval.

Form 18-K (17 CFR 249.318) is an annual report form used by foreign governments and political subdivisions with securities listed on a United States exchange. The information to be collected is intended to ensure the adequacy of information available to investors in the registration of securities and assures public availability. Form 18-K takes approximately 8 hours to prepare and is filed by approximately 40 respondents for a total annual reporting burden of 320 hours. We estimate that 100% of the total burden is prepared by the company.

Written comments are invited on: (a) Whether these proposed collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden imposed by the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 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 R. Corey Booth, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o Shirley Martinson 6432 General Green Way, Alexandria, Virginia 22312; or send an e-mail to: [e-mail].

Dated: October 12, 2006.

Jill M. Peterson,

Assistant Secretary.