Survey of Plant Capacity

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