[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