03-19726. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, 450 5th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549.

Extension:

Rule 44, SEC File No. 270-162, OMB Control No. 3235-0147.

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 44, (17 CFR 250.44) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (“Act”), 15 U.S.C. 79, et seq., prohibits sales of utility assets and utility securities owned by public utility holding companies registered under the Act, except pursuant to a declaration filed with, and approved by, the Commission.

The Commission estimates that the total annual reporting burden of Rule 44 is 96 hours (4 responses × 24 hours = 96 hours).

The estimate of average burden hours is made for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act and is not derived from a comprehensive or representative survey or study of the costs of complying with the requirements of Commission rules and forms.

Written comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collected; and (4) 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.

Please 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: July 24, 2003.

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.