03-11882. 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.