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

Extension: Rule 6e-2, SEC File No. 270-177, OMB Control No. 3235-0177. 

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 publishing the following summary of collection for public comment.

                    Rule 6e-2 [17 CFR 270.6e-2] under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Act”) is an exemptive rule which permits separate accounts, formed by life insurance companies, to fund certain variable life insurance products. The rule exempts such separate accounts from the registration                     Start Printed Page 6645                    requirements under the Act, among others, on condition that they comply with all but certain designated provisions of the Act and meet the other requirements of the rule. The rule sets forth several information collection requirements.                

Rule 6e-2 provides a separate account with an exemption from the registration provisions of section 8 of the Act if the account files with the Commission Form N-6EI-1, a notification of claim of exemption.

The rule also exempts a separate account from a number of other sections of the Act, provided that the separate account makes certain disclosure in its registration statements, reports to contractholders, proxy solicitations, and submissions to state regulatory authorities, as prescribed by the rule.

Paragraph (b)(9) of Rule 6e-2 provides an exemption from the requirements of section 17(f) of the Act and imposes a reporting burden and certain other conditions. Section 17(f) requires that every registered management company meet various custody requirements for its securities and similar investments. Paragraph (b)(9) applies only to management accounts that offer life insurance contracts subject to Rule 6e-2.

Since 1997, there have been no filings under paragraph (b)(9) of Rule 6e-2 by management accounts. Further, all variable life separate accounts that have filed post-effective amendments to their registration statements during this period have been structured as unit investment trusts and thus have not been subject to the requirements of paragraph (b)(9) of the rule. Therefore, since 1997, there has been no cost or burden to the industry regarding the information collection requirements of paragraph (b)(9) of Rule 6e-2.

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 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549.

Dated: February 3, 2000.

Margaret H. McFarland,

Deputy Secretary.

[FR Doc. 00-3032  Filed 2-9-00; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-M