Proposed collection, comment request, 55513-55514 [06-8059]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 184 / Friday, September 22, 2006 / Notices time for submitting responses to the complaint and the notice of investigation will not be granted unless good cause therefor is shown. Failure of the respondent to file a timely response to each allegation in the complaint and in this notice may be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to appear and contest the allegations of the complaint and this notice, and to authorize the administrative law judge and the Commission, without further notice to the respondent, to find the facts to be as alleged in the complaint and this notice and to enter an initial determination and a final determination containing such findings, and may result in the issuance of a limited exclusion order or cease and desist order or both directed against the respondent. Issued: September 19, 2006. By order of the Commission. Marilyn R. Abbott, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. 06–8046 Filed 9–21–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020–02–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Bureau of Labor Statistics Proposed collection, comment request sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed revision of the ‘‘The Consumer Expenditure Surveys: The Quarterly Interview and the Diary.’’ A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:37 Sep 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 section of this notice on or before November 21, 2006. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20212, 202–691–7628. (This is not a toll free number.) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, 202–691–7628. (See ADDRESSES section.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES I. Background The Consumer Expenditure (CE) Surveys collect data on consumer expenditures, demographic information, and related data needed by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and other public and private data users. The continuing surveys provide a constant measurement of changes in consumer expenditure patterns for economic analysis and to obtain data for future CPI revisions. The CE Surveys have been ongoing since 1979. The data from the CE Surveys are used (1) for CPI revisions, (2) to provide a continuous flow of data on income and expenditure patterns for use in economic analysis and policy formulation, and (3) to provide a flexible consumer survey vehicle that is available for use by other Federal Government agencies. Public and private users of price statistics, including Congress and the economic policymaking agencies of the Executive branch, rely on data collected in the CPI in their day-to-day activities. Hence, data users and policymakers widely accept the need to improve the process used for revising the CPI. If the CE Surveys were not conducted on a continuing basis, current information necessary for more timely, as well as more accurate, updating of the CPI would not be available. In addition, data would not be available to respond to the continuing demand from the public and private sectors for current information on consumer spending. In the Quarterly Interview Survey, each consumer unit (CU) in the sample is interviewed every three months over five calendar quarters. The sample for each quarter is divided into three panels, with CUs being interviewed every three months in the same panel of every quarter. The Quarterly Interview Survey is designed to collect data on the types of expenditures that respondents can be expected to recall for a period of three months or longer. In general the expenses reported in the Interview Survey are either relatively large, such as property, automobiles, or major PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55513 appliances, or are expenses which occur on a fairly regular basis, such as rent, utility bills, or insurance premiums. The Diary (or recordkeeping) Survey is completed at home by the respondent family for two consecutive one-week periods. The primary objective of the Diary Survey is to obtain expenditure data on small, frequently purchased items which normally are difficult to recall over longer periods of time. II. Current Action Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for the ‘‘The Consumer Expenditure Surveys: The Quarterly Interview and the Diary.’’ The Consumer Expenditure Quarterly Interview Survey has recently undergone a thorough review. The proposed changes from this review fall into two major categories: streamlining the current questions in several sections and updating several questions and sections to reflect the current marketplace. In the streamlining category, the BLS deleted or collapsed obsolete questions. Examples of deleted or collapsed questions include: making refrigerators and freezers one item code rather than two codes in all applicable sections, adding screener questions for some miscellaneous items which reduces the need to ask about each individual item, and regrouping questions about expenditures on food and beverages so fewer questions are asked of the respondent. In addition, the BLS, restructured how expenditures for telephone services and utilities are collected making the collection process more efficient and less burdensome on the respondent. To keep the survey current, question wording changed and new items were added. Examples of new items added are Voice Over IP services, vacation clubs, changes in premiums for Medicare Part D, interest only mortgages, and reverse mortgages. Question wording also was changed in some sections to collect additional data for some items. Examples of changes to question wording include more detailed information for timeshare properties; questions on installation and set-up charges included with the purchase of televisions, home theater, and audio equipment; and whether, in select Primary Sampling Units (PSUs), a rental property is under rent control. These changes were made to keep the survey current with products and services available in the marketplace and to provide better data for analytical purposes. A full list of the proposed changes to the Quarterly Interview Survey is E:\FR\FM\22SEN1.SGM 22SEN1 55514 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 184 / Friday, September 22, 2006 / Notices • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other available upon request. There are no changes to the Diary Survey for 2007. III. Desired Focus of Comments The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility. Total respondents Form technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Title: The Consumer Expenditure Surveys: The Quarterly Interview and the Diary. OMB Number: 1220–0050. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Average time per response Total responses Frequency Estimated total burden CE Quarterly Interview CAPI Instrument ........................... CE Quarterly Interview Reinterview CAPI Instrument ....... CE Diary: Household Questionnaire CAPI Instrument ...... CE: Diary CE–801, Record of Your Daily Expenses ........ CE Diary Reinterview CAPI Instrument ............................. 8,825 4,000 7,050 7,050 1,300 4 1 3 2 1 35,300 4,000 21,150 14,100 1,300 65 10 25 105 10 38,242 667 8,813 24,675 217 Totals .......................................................................... ........................ ........................ 75,850 ........................ 72,614 Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0. Total Burden Cost (operating/ maintenance): $0. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they also will become a matter of public record. Signed at Washington, DC, this 15th day of September 2006. Kimberley Hill, Acting Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [FR Doc. 06–8059 Filed 9–21–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–24–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education; Notice of Meeting sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting: 20:37 Sep 21, 2006 Jkt 208001 Dated: September 19, 2006. Susanne Bolton, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06–8028 Filed 9–21–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Name: Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education (9487). Dates: October 18, 2006, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and October 19, 2006, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Place: Stafford II, Room 555, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia 22230. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Alan Tessier, National Science Foundation, Suite, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia 22230. Phone 703– 292–7198. VerDate Aug<31>2005 Minutes: May be obtained from the contact person listed above. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice, recommendations, and oversight concerning support for environmental research and education. Agenda: October 18—Update on recent NSF environmental activities, Planning for Diversity Workshop, Update on the social and human impact of NEON, Update on NSF Plans for Water Research, AC–ERE task group meetings, Presentation on the NAS International Human Dimensions of Global Change committee. October 19—AC–ERE task group reports, Discussion of Biological Sciences Themes in Environmental Research and Education, Update on Cyberinfrastructure for Observing Systems, International Polar Year Update, Meeting with the Director (or Representative). Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering; Notice of Meeting In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting: Name: Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (1173). Dates/Time: October 17, 2006, 8:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. and October 18, 2006, 8:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Place: National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 375, Arlington, VA 22230. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Dr. Margaret E.M. Tolbert, Senior Advisor and Executive Liaison, CEOSE, Office of Integrative Activities, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. Telephone: (703) 292–8040. mtolbert@nsf.gov. Minutes: May be obtained from the Executive Liaison at the above address. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice and recommendations concerning broadening participation in science and engineering. Agenda Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Welcome and Opening Statement by the CEOSE Chair. Introduction of New CEOSE Members. Reports by CEOSE Liaisons to NSF Advisory Committees and Discussion of Key Points. Discussion: Representatives of Several Federal Agencies to Participate in a Discussion of Broadening Participation Programs and Activities at Their Agencies. Interaction with an NSF Senior Manager. Subcommittee Report on Institutional Transformation and Discussion of Plans for a Future Mini-Symposium on That Topic. Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Opening Statement by the CEOSE Chair. Reports by Subcommittee Chairs and Discussions Continued: Community Colleges, Communications, Evaluation and Accountability, and Preparation of the 2006 CEOSE Biennial Report to Congress. Completion of Unfinished Business: Refining Potential Recommendations to NSF and Action Items. E:\FR\FM\22SEN1.SGM 22SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 184 (Friday, September 22, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55513-55514]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8059]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bureau of Labor Statistics


Proposed collection, comment request

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The 
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the 
proposed revision of the ``The Consumer Expenditure Surveys: The 
Quarterly Interview and the Diary.'' A copy of the proposed information 
collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual 
listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice on or before November 21, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, 
Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 4080, 
2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20212, 202-691-7628. (This 
is not a toll free number.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy A. Hobby, BLS Clearance Officer, 
202-691-7628. (See Addresses section.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Consumer Expenditure (CE) Surveys collect data on consumer 
expenditures, demographic information, and related data needed by the 
Consumer Price Index (CPI) and other public and private data users. The 
continuing surveys provide a constant measurement of changes in 
consumer expenditure patterns for economic analysis and to obtain data 
for future CPI revisions. The CE Surveys have been ongoing since 1979.
    The data from the CE Surveys are used (1) for CPI revisions, (2) to 
provide a continuous flow of data on income and expenditure patterns 
for use in economic analysis and policy formulation, and (3) to provide 
a flexible consumer survey vehicle that is available for use by other 
Federal Government agencies. Public and private users of price 
statistics, including Congress and the economic policymaking agencies 
of the Executive branch, rely on data collected in the CPI in their 
day-to-day activities. Hence, data users and policymakers widely accept 
the need to improve the process used for revising the CPI. If the CE 
Surveys were not conducted on a continuing basis, current information 
necessary for more timely, as well as more accurate, updating of the 
CPI would not be available. In addition, data would not be available to 
respond to the continuing demand from the public and private sectors 
for current information on consumer spending.
    In the Quarterly Interview Survey, each consumer unit (CU) in the 
sample is interviewed every three months over five calendar quarters. 
The sample for each quarter is divided into three panels, with CUs 
being interviewed every three months in the same panel of every 
quarter. The Quarterly Interview Survey is designed to collect data on 
the types of expenditures that respondents can be expected to recall 
for a period of three months or longer. In general the expenses 
reported in the Interview Survey are either relatively large, such as 
property, automobiles, or major appliances, or are expenses which occur 
on a fairly regular basis, such as rent, utility bills, or insurance 
premiums.
    The Diary (or recordkeeping) Survey is completed at home by the 
respondent family for two consecutive one-week periods. The primary 
objective of the Diary Survey is to obtain expenditure data on small, 
frequently purchased items which normally are difficult to recall over 
longer periods of time.

II. Current Action

    Office of Management and Budget clearance is being sought for the 
``The Consumer Expenditure Surveys: The Quarterly Interview and the 
Diary.''
    The Consumer Expenditure Quarterly Interview Survey has recently 
undergone a thorough review. The proposed changes from this review fall 
into two major categories: streamlining the current questions in 
several sections and updating several questions and sections to reflect 
the current marketplace.
    In the streamlining category, the BLS deleted or collapsed obsolete 
questions. Examples of deleted or collapsed questions include: making 
refrigerators and freezers one item code rather than two codes in all 
applicable sections, adding screener questions for some miscellaneous 
items which reduces the need to ask about each individual item, and 
regrouping questions about expenditures on food and beverages so fewer 
questions are asked of the respondent. In addition, the BLS, 
restructured how expenditures for telephone services and utilities are 
collected making the collection process more efficient and less 
burdensome on the respondent.
    To keep the survey current, question wording changed and new items 
were added. Examples of new items added are Voice Over IP services, 
vacation clubs, changes in premiums for Medicare Part D, interest only 
mortgages, and reverse mortgages. Question wording also was changed in 
some sections to collect additional data for some items. Examples of 
changes to question wording include more detailed information for 
timeshare properties; questions on installation and set-up charges 
included with the purchase of televisions, home theater, and audio 
equipment; and whether, in select Primary Sampling Units (PSUs), a 
rental property is under rent control. These changes were made to keep 
the survey current with products and services available in the 
marketplace and to provide better data for analytical purposes.
    A full list of the proposed changes to the Quarterly Interview 
Survey is

[[Page 55514]]

available upon request. There are no changes to the Diary Survey for 
2007.

III. Desired Focus of Comments

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in 
comments that:
     Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility.
     Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
     Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.
     Minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
    Title: The Consumer Expenditure Surveys: The Quarterly Interview 
and the Diary.
    OMB Number: 1220-0050.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Total                           Total       Average  time     Estimated
              Form                 respondents      Frequency       responses     per  response    total burden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CE Quarterly Interview CAPI               8,825               4          35,300              65           38,242
 Instrument....................
CE Quarterly Interview                    4,000               1           4,000              10              667
 Reinterview CAPI Instrument...
CE Diary: Household                       7,050               3          21,150              25            8,813
 Questionnaire CAPI Instrument.
CE: Diary CE-801, Record of               7,050               2          14,100             105           24,675
 Your Daily Expenses...........
CE Diary Reinterview CAPI                 1,300               1           1,300              10              217
 Instrument....................
                                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals.....................  ..............  ..............          75,850  ..............           72,614
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they also will become a 
matter of public record.

    Signed at Washington, DC, this 15th day of September 2006.
Kimberley Hill,
Acting Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor 
Statistics.
[FR Doc. 06-8059 Filed 9-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-24-P
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