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###### Securities and Exchange Commission

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information, Washington, DC 20549. 

*Extension:*                         Rule 17Ad-10; SEC File No. 270-265; OMB Control No. 3235-0273.                    

                    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”) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a request for extension of the previously approved collection of information discussed below.                 
    - Rule 17Ad-10: Prompt posting of certificate detail to master securityholder files, maintenance of accurate securityholder files, communications between co-transfer agents and recordkeeping transfer agents, maintenance of current control book, retention of certificate detail and “buy-in” of physical over-issuance

Rule 17Ad-10, 17 CFR 240.17Ad-10, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, requires approximately 950 registered transfer agents to create and maintain minimum information on securityholders' ownership of an issue of securities for which it performs transfer agent functions, including the purchase, transfer and redemptions of securities. In addition, the rule also requires transfer agents that maintain securityholder records to keep certificate detail that has been cancelled from those records for a minimum of six years and to maintain and keep current an accurate record of the number of shares or principle dollar amount of debt securities that the issuer has authorized to be outstanding (a “control book”). These recordkeeping requirements assist in the creation and maintenance of accurate securityholder records, the ability to research errors, and ensure the transfer agent is ware of the number of securities that are properly authorized by the issuer, thereby avoiding overissuance. 

There are approximately 950 transfer agents currently registered with the Commission. The staff estimates that the average number of hours necessary for each transfer agent to comply with Rule 17Ad-10 is approximately 20 hours per year, totalling 19,000 hours industry-wide. The average cost per hour is approximately $20 per hour, with the industry-wide cost estimated at approximately $380,000. However, the information required by Rule 17Ad-10 generally already is maintained by registered transfer agents. The amount of time devoted to compliance with Rule 17Ad-10 varies according to differences in business activity. 

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 estimates 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. 

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: December 22, 2003. 

Margaret H. McFarland, 

Deputy Secretary. 

[FR Doc. 04-218 Filed 1-5-04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P