00-29443. 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 17Ad-2(c), (d), and (h), SEC File No. 270-149, OMB Control No. 3235-0130

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”) had submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a request for extension of the previously approved collection of information discussed below.

• Rule 17 Ad-2(c), (d) and (h) Transfer Agent Turnaround, Processing and Forwarding Requirements

Rule 17Ad-2(c), (d), and (h), 17 CFR 240.17Ad-2(c), (d), and (h), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, enumerate the requirements with transfer agents must comply to inform the Commission or the appropriate regulator of a transfer agent's failure to meet the minimum performance standards set by the Commission rule by filing a notice.

While it is estimated there are 900 transfer agents, approximately ten notices pursuant to 17Ad-2(c), (d), and (h) are filed annually. In view of (a) the readily available nature of most of the information required to be included in the notice (since that information must be compiled and retained pursuant to other Commission rules); (b) the summary fashion in which such information must be presented in the notice (most notices are one page or less in length); and (c) the experience of the staff regarding the notices, the Commission staff estimates that, on the average, most Notices require approximately one-half hour to prepare. The Commission staff estimates a cost of approximately $30.00 for each half hour spent preparing the notices per year, transfer agents spend an average of five hours per year complying with the rule at a cost of $300.

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 on respondents; 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. Considerations will be given to comments and suggestions submitted in writing within 60 days of this publication.

Please direct your written comments to Michael E. Bartell, Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

Dated: November 7, 2000.

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.