[Federal Register: July 7, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 129)] [Notices] [Page 36718] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07jy99-118] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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. Dates: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the Addresses section of this notice on or before September 7, 1999. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is particularly interested in comments which: 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; and 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. Addresses: Send comments to Karin G. Kurz, BLS Clearance Officer, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Room 3255, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20212. Ms. Kurz can be reached on 202-606-7628 (this is not a toll free number). For Further Information Contact: Karin G. Kurz, BLS Clearance Officer. See Addresses section. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATORY: I. Proposed Collection Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed revision of the ``Point of Purchase Survey.'' A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the individual listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. II. Background The purpose of this survey is to develop and maintain a timely list of retail, wholesale, and service establishments where urban consumers shop for specified items. This information is used as the sampling universe for selecting establishments at which prices of specified items are collected and monitored for use in calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The survey has been ongoing since 1980 and also provides expenditure data that allow items that are priced in the CPI to be properly weighted. III. Current Actions Since 1997, the survey has been administered quarterly and entirely via a computer-assisted telephone interview, as opposed to the previous practice of an annual personal-visit interview. This revised collection methodology is more flexible and creates the possibility of introducing new products into the CPI in a timelier manner. Furthermore, the cost efficiency of telephone interviewing permits data collection in all sampling areas each year, rather than the previous practice of collecting data in only 20 percent of all sampling areas each year. The revised sample design results in an overall CPI market basket that is more reflective of the current prices encountered, and the establishments visited, by urban consumers. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Agency: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Title: Point of Purchase Survey. OMB Number: 1220-0044. Affected Public: Individuals and households. Total Respondents: 17,827 (three-year annual average). Frequency: Quarterly. Total Responses: 67,200 annually. Average Time Per Response: 11 minutes. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 12,320 annually. 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, D.C., this 30th day of June 1999. W. Stuart Rust, Jr., Chief, Division of Management Systems, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [FR Doc. 99-17131 Filed 7-6-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-24-M