01-31547. Request of the Merchants Exchange (ME) for Approval of Six Cash-Settled Energy Futures Contracts

AGENCY:

Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

ACTION:

Notice of availability of terms and conditions of commodity futures contracts.

SUMMARY:

The Merchants Exchange (ME or Exchange) has requested that the Commission approve six new cash settled energy futures contracts pursuant to the provisions of Section 5c(c)(2)(A) of the Commodity Exchange Act as amended: Brent crude oil futures, European gas oil futures, light “sweet” crude oil futures, natural gas futures, no. 2 heating oil (New York Harbor delivery) futures, and unleaded gasoline (New York Harbor delivery) futures. The Acting Director of the Division of Economic Analysis (Division) of the Commission, acting pursuant to the authority delegated by the Commission Regulation 140.96, has determined that publication of the proposal for comment is in the public interest, will assist the Commission in considering the views of interested persons, and is consistent with the purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act.

DATES:

Comments must be received on or before January 10, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Interested persons should submit their views and comments to Jean A. Webb, Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581. In addition, comments may be sent by facsimile transmission to facsimile number [phone] or by electronic mail to [e-mail]. Reference should be made to the ME cash-settled energy futures contracts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Please contact Joseph Storer of the Division of Economic Analysis, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC [phone]. Facsimile number: [phone]. Electronic mail: [e-mail]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Copies of the terms and conditions will be available for inspection at the Office of the Secretariat, Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581. Copies of the terms and conditions can be obtained through the Office of the Secretariat by mail at the above address or by phone at [phone].

Other materials submitted by the ME in support of the request for approval may be available upon request pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Commission's regulations thereunder 17 CFR part 145 (2000)), except to the extent they are entitled to confidential treatment as set forth in 17 CFR 145.5 and 145.9. Requests for copies of such materials should be made to the FOI, Privacy and Sunshine Act Compliance Staff of the Office of Secretariat at the Commission's headquarters in accordance with 17 CFR 145.7 and 145.8.

Any person interested in submitting written data, views, or arguments on the proposed terms and conditions, or with respect to other materials submitted by the ME should send such comments to Jean A. Webb, Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20581 by the specified date.

Issued in Washington, DC on December 18, 2001.

Richard A. Shilts,

Acting Director.