Self Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Relating to Voluntary Supplemental Procedures for Selecting Arbitrators, 5716-5718 [E5-405]

Download as PDF 5716 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 22 / Thursday, February 3, 2005 / Notices the Code of Arbitration Procedure was amended to read as follows: The term ‘‘public arbitrator’’ means a person who is otherwise qualified to serve as an arbitrator and * * * (iv) is not an attorney, accountant, or other professional whose firm derived 10 percent or more of its annual revenue in the past 2 years from any persons or entities listed in paragraph (a)(4)(A) * * *. Some arbitrators who also serve as mediators were of the opinion that the rule change encompassed income in the form of mediation fees paid by industry parties such that these individuals would no longer qualify as public arbitrators under the new rule. The NASD Dispute Resolution Board determined that the rule could be construed broadly enough to cover revenue derived from serving as a mediator, although this was clearly not the intent of the recent rule changes, and unanimously voted to issue a clarification in an IM that would be printed in the Code following Rule 10308. The IM also would make clear that mediation services performed by mediators who are also arbitrators is not to be included in the definition of ‘‘professional work’’ for purposes of the 20% test either, so long as the mediator is acting in the capacity of a mediator and is not representing a party in the mediation. In considering this matter, the NASD Dispute Resolution Board also determined that parties may wish to know that an arbitrator on their list also serves as a mediator and may be familiar with the industry parties or their counsel. NASD staff will add this information to the disclosure forms of dual arbitrators/mediators. 2. Statutory Basis NASD believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,5 which requires, among other things, that the NASD’s rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. NASD believes that any potential conflict is best addressed by ensuring that arbitrators who are mediators disclose this fact in the arbitrator disclosure history. NASD will prepare materials to inform arbitrators of the need to make this disclosure. 5 15 U.S.C. 78o–3(b)(6). VerDate jul<14>2003 19:18 Feb 02, 2005 Jkt 205001 B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition NASD Regulation does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others Written comments were neither solicited nor received. II. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will: (A) By order approve such proposed rule change, or (B) Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NASD–2005–007 on the subject line. amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection and copying in the Commission’s Public Reference Room. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the NASD. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NASD–2005–007 and should be submitted on or before February 24, 2005. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.6 Margaret H. McFarland, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E5–407 Filed 2–2–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34–51085; File No. SR–NYSE– 2005–10] Self Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Relating to Voluntary Supplemental Procedures for Selecting Arbitrators January 27, 2005. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1)1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (‘‘Act’’),2 and Rule 19b–4 thereunder, notice is hereby given that on January 18, 2005, the New York Stock Exchange, Paper Comments Inc. (‘‘NYSE’’ or ‘‘Exchange’’) filed with • Send paper comments in triplicate the Securities and Exchange to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Commission (‘‘Commission’’) the Securities and Exchange Commission, proposed amendments to its arbitration 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC rules as described in Items I and II 20549–0609. below, which items have been prepared All submissions should refer to File by the Exchange. The Exchange filed the Number SR–NASD–2005–007. This file proposed rule change pursuant to number should be included on the Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act 3 and Rule subject line if e-mail is used. To help the 19b–4(f)(6) thereunder,4 which renders Commission process and review your the proposal effective upon filing with comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will 6 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). post all comments on the Commission’s 1 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ 2 15 U.S.C. 78a. 3 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the 4 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). submission, all subsequent PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03FEN1.SGM 03FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 22 / Thursday, February 3, 2005 / Notices the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. I. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change The proposed rule change consists of an extension until July 31, 2005, of the Voluntary Supplemental Procedures for Selecting Arbitrators (‘‘Supplemental Procedures’’). II. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The proposed rule change is intended to extend until July 31, 2005 the Supplemental Procedures, which were approved by the Commission, most recently in SR–NYSE–2004–28,5 for a six-month period ending January 31, 2005. The Exchange currently has several methods by which arbitrators are assigned to cases, including the traditional method under NYSE Rule 607, pursuant to which Exchange staff appoints arbitrators to cases (the ‘‘Traditional Method’’). On August 1, 2000, the Exchange implemented a twoyear pilot program to allow parties, on a voluntary basis, to select arbitrators under two alternative methods (in addition to the Traditional Method).6 Upon expiration of the two-year pilot, the Exchange renewed the pilot for an additional two years, which expired on July 31, 2004,7 and then again for an additional six months through January 31, 2005.8 5 See Exchange Act Release No. 49915 (June 25, 2004), 69 FR 39993 (July 1, 2004). 6 See Exchange Act Release No. 43214 (August 28, 2000), 65 FR 53247 (September 1, 2000) (SR–NYSE– 00–34). 7 See Exchange Act Release No. 46372. See also Exchange Act Release No. 47929 (May 27, 2003), 68 FR 32791 (June 2, 2003) (SR–NYSE–2003–15). 8 See Exchange Act Release No. 49915, supra note 5. VerDate jul<14>2003 19:18 Feb 02, 2005 Jkt 205001 Under the Supplemental Procedures, the first alternative to the Traditional Method is the Random List Selection method by which the parties are provided randomly generated lists of public-classified and securitiesclassified arbitrators. The parties have ten days to strike and rank the names on the lists. Based on mutual ranking of the lists, the highest-ranking arbitrators are invited to serve on the case. If a panel cannot be generated from the first list, a second list is generated, with three potential arbitrators for each vacancy, and one peremptory challenge available to each party for each vacancy. If vacancies remain after the second list has been processed, arbitrators are then randomly assigned to serve, subject only to challenges for cause. The second alternative to the Traditional Method is entitled Enhanced List Selection, in which six public-classified and three securitiesclassified arbitrators are selected, based on their qualifications and expertise, by Exchange staff. The lists are then sent to the parties. The parties have a limited number of strikes to use and are required to rank the arbitrators not stricken. Based on mutual ranking of the lists, the highest-ranking arbitrators are invited to serve on the case. Finally, the Supplemental Procedures provide that the Exchange will accommodate the use of any reasonable alternative method of selecting arbitrators that the parties decide upon, provided that the parties agree. Absent agreement as to the use of Random List Selection, Enhanced List Selection, or any other reasonable alternative method, the Traditional Method is used. The Exchange, pursuant to a separate filing,9 is proposing amendments to NYSE Rule 607 which would, in effect, make permanent a variation of the pilot program described herein. Pending Commission consideration of those amendments, the Exchange proposes to extend the pilot period for the Supplemental Procedures for an additional six months, until July 31, 2005. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(5)10 of the Act in that it promotes just and equitable principles of trade by ensuring that members and member organizations and the public have a fair and impartial forum for the resolution of their disputes. 9 See SR–NYSE–2005–02, filed with the Commission on January 4, 2005. 10 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5717 B. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. C. Self-Regulatory Organization’s Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received from Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one that: (i) Does not significantly affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) does not impose any significant burden on competition; and (iii) does not become operative for 30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate. Therefore, the foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act11 and Rule 19b–4(f)(6)12 thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the Act. Pursuant to Rule 19b–4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act,13 the proposal may not become operative for 30 days after the date of its filing, or such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest, and the Exchange must file notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at least five business days beforehand. The Exchange has requested that the Commission waive the five-day prefiling requirement and the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed rule change will become immediately effective upon filing. The Commission is exercising its authority to waive the five-day pre-filing requirement and believes that waiver of the 30-day operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public interest.14 In this regard, the 11 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6). 13 17 CFR 240.19b–4(f)(6)(iii). 14 For purposes only of accelerating the operative date of this proposal, the Commission has 12 17 E:\FR\FM\03FEN1.SGM Continued 03FEN1 5718 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 22 / Thursday, February 3, 2005 / Notices Commission notes that the proposal is the extension of a pilot program that has been in effect at the Exchange since August 2000. For these reasons, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as effective and operative immediately. Nothing in the current notice should be interpreted as suggesting the Commission is predisposed to approving the proposed variation of the pilot program. IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/sro.shtml); or • Send an e-mail to rulecomments@sec.gov. Please include File Number SR–NYSE–2005–10 on the subject line. information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR–NYSE–2005–10 and should be submitted on or before March 10, 2005. For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, pursuant to delegated authority.15 Margaret H. McFarland, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. E5–405 Filed 2–2–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8010–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary Aviation Proceedings, Agreements Filed the Week Ending January 14, 2005 The following Agreements Were Filed With the Department of Transportation Under the Provisions of 49 U.S.C. 412 and 414. Answers May Be Filed Within 21 Days After the Filing of the Application Paper Comments Docket Number: OST–2005–20074. Date Filed: January 10, 2005. • Send paper comments in triplicate Parties: Members of the International to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, Air Transport Association. Securities and Exchange Commission, Subject: 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549–0609. PTC3 0798 dated 21 December 2004 All submissions should refer to File TC3 Areawide Resolutions r1–r8 Number SR–NYSE–2005–10. This file PTC3 0799 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Within South Asian number should be included on the Subcontinent Resolutions r9–r18 subject line if e-mail is used. To help the PTC3 0800 dated 21 December 2004 Commission process and review your TC3 Within South East Asia except comments more efficiently, please use between Malaysia and Guam only one method. The Commission will Resolutions r19–r32 post all comments on the Commission’s PTC3 0801 dated 21 December 2004 Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/ TC3 Within South East Asia between rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the Malaysia and Guam Resolutions submission, all subsequent r33–r37 amendments, all written statements PTC3 0802 dated 21 December 2004 with respect to the proposed rule TC3 Within South West Pacific except change that are filed with the between French Polynesia and Commission, and all written American Samoa Resolutions r38– communications relating to the r48 proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than PTC3 0803 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Within South West Pacific those that may be withheld from the between French Polynesia and public in accordance with the American Samoa Resolutions r49– provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be r52 available for inspection and copying in PTC3 0804 dated 21 December 2004 the Commission’s Public Reference TC3 South East Asia-South Asian Room. Copies of such filing also will be Subcontinent Resolutions r53–r60 available for inspection and copying at PTC3 0805 dated 21 December 2004 the principal office of the NASD. All TC3 South Asian Subcontinent-South comments received will be posted West Pacific Resolutions r61–r67 without change; the Commission does PTC3 0806 dated 21 December 2004 not edit personal identifying TC3 South East Asia-South West Pacific except between Malaysia considered the proposed rule’s impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 78c(f). VerDate jul<14>2003 19:18 Feb 02, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 15 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(12). Frm 00118 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and American Samoa Resolutions r68–r74 PTC3 0807 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 South East Asia-South West Pacific between Malaysia and American Samoa Resolutions r75– r80 PTC3 0808 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Japan-Korea Resolutions r81–r92 PTC3 0809 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Japan, Korea-South Asian Subcontinent Resolutions r93–r106 PTC3 0810 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Japan, Korea-South West Pacific except between Korea (Rep. of) and American Samoa Resolutions r107– r161 PTC3 0811 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Japan, Korea-South West Pacific between Korea (Rep. of) and American Samoa Resolutions r162– r166 Minutes: PTC3 0814 dated 11 January 2005 Tables: PTC3 Fares 0316 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Within South Asian Subcontinent Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0317 dated 1 December 2004 TC3 Within South East Asia Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0318 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Within South West Pacific Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0319 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 South East Asia-South Asian Subcontinent Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0320 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 South Asian Subcontinent-South West Pacific Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0321 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 South East Asia-South West Pacific Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0322 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Japan-Korea Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0323 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Japan, Korea-South Asian Subcontinent Fares Tables PTC3 Fares 0324 dated 21 December 2004 TC3 Japan, Korea-South West Pacific Fares Tables Intended effective date: 1 April 2005 Docket Number: OST–2005–20101. Date Filed: January 13, 2005. Parties: Members of the International Air Transport Association. Subject: PTC23 ME–TC3 0224 dated 14 January 2005 Mail Vote 429—Resolution 010e Special Passenger Amending Resolution E:\FR\FM\03FEN1.SGM 03FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5716-5718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-405]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-51085; File No. SR-NYSE-2005-10]


Self Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate 
Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the New York Stock Exchange, 
Inc. Relating to Voluntary Supplemental Procedures for Selecting 
Arbitrators

January 27, 2005.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1)\1\ of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (``Act''),\2\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder, notice is hereby given 
that on January 18, 2005, the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (``NYSE'' 
or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed amendments to its arbitration rules as 
described in Items I and II below, which items have been prepared by 
the Exchange. The Exchange filed the proposed rule change pursuant to 
Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder,\4\ 
which renders the proposal effective upon filing with

[[Page 5717]]

the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit 
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 78a.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule Change

    The proposed rule change consists of an extension until July 31, 
2005, of the Voluntary Supplemental Procedures for Selecting 
Arbitrators (``Supplemental Procedures'').

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements 
concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change. The 
text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in 
Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in 
Sections A, B and C below, of the most significant aspects of such 
statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    The proposed rule change is intended to extend until July 31, 2005 
the Supplemental Procedures, which were approved by the Commission, 
most recently in SR-NYSE-2004-28,\5\ for a six-month period ending 
January 31, 2005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See Exchange Act Release No. 49915 (June 25, 2004), 69 FR 
39993 (July 1, 2004).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange currently has several methods by which arbitrators are 
assigned to cases, including the traditional method under NYSE Rule 
607, pursuant to which Exchange staff appoints arbitrators to cases 
(the ``Traditional Method''). On August 1, 2000, the Exchange 
implemented a two-year pilot program to allow parties, on a voluntary 
basis, to select arbitrators under two alternative methods (in addition 
to the Traditional Method).\6\ Upon expiration of the two-year pilot, 
the Exchange renewed the pilot for an additional two years, which 
expired on July 31, 2004,\7\ and then again for an additional six 
months through January 31, 2005.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See Exchange Act Release No. 43214 (August 28, 2000), 65 FR 
53247 (September 1, 2000) (SR-NYSE-00-34).
    \7\ See Exchange Act Release No. 46372. See also Exchange Act 
Release No. 47929 (May 27, 2003), 68 FR 32791 (June 2, 2003) (SR-
NYSE-2003-15).
    \8\ See Exchange Act Release No. 49915, supra note 5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the Supplemental Procedures, the first alternative to the 
Traditional Method is the Random List Selection method by which the 
parties are provided randomly generated lists of public-classified and 
securities-classified arbitrators. The parties have ten days to strike 
and rank the names on the lists. Based on mutual ranking of the lists, 
the highest-ranking arbitrators are invited to serve on the case. If a 
panel cannot be generated from the first list, a second list is 
generated, with three potential arbitrators for each vacancy, and one 
peremptory challenge available to each party for each vacancy. If 
vacancies remain after the second list has been processed, arbitrators 
are then randomly assigned to serve, subject only to challenges for 
cause.
    The second alternative to the Traditional Method is entitled 
Enhanced List Selection, in which six public-classified and three 
securities-classified arbitrators are selected, based on their 
qualifications and expertise, by Exchange staff. The lists are then 
sent to the parties. The parties have a limited number of strikes to 
use and are required to rank the arbitrators not stricken. Based on 
mutual ranking of the lists, the highest-ranking arbitrators are 
invited to serve on the case.
    Finally, the Supplemental Procedures provide that the Exchange will 
accommodate the use of any reasonable alternative method of selecting 
arbitrators that the parties decide upon, provided that the parties 
agree. Absent agreement as to the use of Random List Selection, 
Enhanced List Selection, or any other reasonable alternative method, 
the Traditional Method is used.
    The Exchange, pursuant to a separate filing,\9\ is proposing 
amendments to NYSE Rule 607 which would, in effect, make permanent a 
variation of the pilot program described herein. Pending Commission 
consideration of those amendments, the Exchange proposes to extend the 
pilot period for the Supplemental Procedures for an additional six 
months, until July 31, 2005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See SR-NYSE-2005-02, filed with the Commission on January 4, 
2005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent 
with Section 6(b)(5)\10\ of the Act in that it promotes just and 
equitable principles of trade by ensuring that members and member 
organizations and the public have a fair and impartial forum for the 
resolution of their disputes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will 
impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate 
in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed 
Rule Change Received from Members, Participants, or Others

    The Exchange has neither solicited nor received written comments on 
the proposed rule change.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
Commission Action

    The Exchange has designated the proposed rule change as one that: 
(i) Does not significantly affect the protection of investors or the 
public interest; (ii) does not impose any significant burden on 
competition; and (iii) does not become operative for 30 days from the 
date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the Commission may 
designate. Therefore, the foregoing rule change has become effective 
pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act\11\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6)\12\ 
thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed 
rule change, the Commission may summarily abrogate such rule change if 
it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or 
otherwise in furtherance of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \12\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) under the Act,\13\ the proposal 
may not become operative for 30 days after the date of its filing, or 
such shorter time as the Commission may designate if consistent with 
the protection of investors and the public interest, and the Exchange 
must file notice of its intent to file the proposed rule change at 
least five business days beforehand. The Exchange has requested that 
the Commission waive the five-day pre-filing requirement and the 30-day 
operative delay so that the proposed rule change will become 
immediately effective upon filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)(iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission is exercising its authority to waive the five-day 
pre-filing requirement and believes that waiver of the 30-day operative 
delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the public 
interest.\14\ In this regard, the

[[Page 5718]]

Commission notes that the proposal is the extension of a pilot program 
that has been in effect at the Exchange since August 2000. For these 
reasons, the Commission designates the proposed rule change as 
effective and operative immediately. Nothing in the current notice 
should be interpreted as suggesting the Commission is predisposed to 
approving the proposed variation of the pilot program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ For purposes only of accelerating the operative date of 
this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's 
impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. 15 U.S.C. 
78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of 
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (https://
www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to rule-comments@sec.gov. Please include 
File Number SR-NYSE-2005-10 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20549-0609.
    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NYSE-2005-10. This 
file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. 
To help the Commission process and review your comments more 
efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all 
comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/
rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, 
all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that 
are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating 
to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, 
other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance 
with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection 
and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of such 
filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the 
principal office of the NASD. All comments received will be posted 
without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying 
information from submissions. You should submit only information that 
you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to 
File Number SR-NYSE-2005-10 and should be submitted on or before March 
10, 2005.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Margaret H. McFarland,
Deputy Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E5-405 Filed 2-2-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P
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