01-14869. 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-5 and Form X-17A-5, SEC File No. 270-155, OMB Control No. 3235-0123

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-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is the basic reporting rule for brokers and dealers, and Form X-17A-5, the Financial and Operational Combined Uniform Single Report, is the basic document for reporting the financial and operational condition of securities brokers and dealers.

The staff estimates that approximately 7,230 respondents respond to this collection of information 33,870 times annually, with a total burden of 12 hours for each response, based upon past submissions. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary to comply with the requirements of Rule 17a-5 is 406,440 hours. The average cost per hour is $113. Therefore, the total cost of compliance for the respondents is $45,927,720.

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 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

Dated: June 5, 2001.

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.