[Federal Register: March 24, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 57)]
[Notices]               
[Page 13810-13811]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24mr04-30]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau

 
Survey of Plant Capacity Utilization

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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before May 24, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at dhynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Julius Smith Jr., Census Bureau, Room 2135, 
Building 4, Washington, DC 20233-6900, 301-763-4683 (or via the 
Internet at julius.smith.jr@census.gov).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to extend the current OMB clearance for the 
Survey of Plant Capacity Utilization. The survey is conducted annually 
collecting data for fourth quarter operations. The survey collects, 
from manufacturing plants and publishers, the value of actual 
production and the value of production that could have been achieved if 
operating at ``full production'' and ``emergency production'' levels. 
The survey also collects data on work patterns by shift.

[[Page 13811]]

These data include hours in operation, production workers, and plant 
hours worked. The resulting estimates are used in measuring 
inflationary pressures, capital flows, production indexes and analyzing 
and forecasting economic and industrial trends. The survey results are 
primarily used by the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, and the Department of Defense.

II. Method of Collection

    The Census Bureau will use the mail out/mail back survey forms to 
collect the data. Companies will be asked to respond within 30 days of 
the initial mailing. This due date will be imprinted at the top of the 
form. Letters encouraging participation will be 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 and publishing plants.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 17,000.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 2.25 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 38,250.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: The estimated cost to the respondents 
is $627,683.
    Respondents Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S. Code, section 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: March 19, 2004.
Madeleine Clayton,
Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 04-6602 Filed 3-23-04; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-07-P