[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 119 (Monday, June 22, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 33910]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16533]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of the Census
Survey of Plant Capacity
ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 21, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Elinor Champion, Bureau of the Census, Room 2135
FB-4, Washington, DC 20233, Telephone (301) 457-4683.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The Census Bureau plans to resubmit the Survey of Plant Capacity.
Data are gathered from a sample of manufacturing plants in the United
States. The survey forms collect data on the value of plant production
during actual operations and at full production capability.
This resubmission is to address proposed changes to the MQ-C1 form.
We plan to expand one item to collect plant operations data by shift.
We also plan to collect the number of temporary production workers and
hours worked by temporary production workers in addition to the total
number of production workers and hours worked.
In the 1997 survey, the reference period covers the fourth quarter
of the survey year only rather than the fourth quarter of the survey
year and the prior year. This change decreased the respondent burden
from 2 hours to 1.25 hour per respondent. Based on discussions with
potential respondents, we estimate that the new data will require about
1.5 hours to complete. Therefore we estimate the total respondent
burden to complete the revised form to be 2.75 hours.
The survey data are used in measuring inflationary pressures and
capital flows, in understanding productivity determinants, and in
analyzing and forecasting economic and industrial trends. The survey
results are used by such agencies as the Federal Reserve Board, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, International Trade Administration, and
the Department of Defense.
II. Method of Collection
The Census Bureau mails out survey forms to collect the data.
Companies are asked to respond to the survey within 30 days of the
initial mailing. Letters encouraging participation are mailed to
companies that have not responded by the designated time.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0607-0175.
Form Number: MQ-C1.
Type of Review: Regular.
Affected Public: Manufacturing Plants.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 17,000 plants.
Estimated Time Per Response: 2.75 hours.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 46,750.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: $606,815 (46,750 * $12.98).
Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
Legal Authority: Title 13 U.S.C., Sections 131, 182.
IV. Request for Comments
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
(including hours and cost) 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.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.
Dated: June 17, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-16533 Filed 6-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P
