01-8024. Request For Public Comment

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549.

Extension:

Rule 19b-5 and From PILOT; SEC File No. 270-448; OMB Control No. 3235-0507

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 19b-5 provides a temporary exemption from the rule-filing requirements of section 19(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) to self-regulatory organizations (“SROs”) wishing to establish and operate pilot trading systems. Rule 19b-5 permits an SRO to develop a pilot trading system and to begin operation of such system shortly after submitting an initial report on Form PILOT to the Commission. During operation of the pilot trading system, the SRO must submit quarterly reports of the system's operation to the Commission, as well as timely amendments describing any material changes to the system. After two years of operating such pilot trading system under the exemption afforded by Rule 19b-5, the SRO must submit a rule filing pursuant to section 19(b)(2) of the Act in order to obtain permanent approval of the pilot trading system from the Commission.

The collection of information is designed to allow the Commission to maintain an accurate record of all new pilot trading systems operated by SROs and to determine whether an SRO has properly availed itself of the exemption afforded by Rule 19b-5.

The respondents to the collection of information are SROs, as defined by the Act, including national securities exchanges and national securities associations.

Ten respondents file an average total of 6 initial reports, 24 quarterly reports, and 12 amendments per year, with an estimated total annual response burden of 252 hours. At an average hourly cost of $51.71, the aggregate related cost of compliance with Rule 19b-5 for all respondents is $13,032 per year (252 burden hours multiplied by $51.71/hour = $13,032).

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 Michael E. Bartell, Associate Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

Dated: March 27, 2001.

Jonathan G. Katz,

Secretary.