Rule 17f-4 specifies conditions under
which a registered manage- ment investment company or its custodian
may place the company's securities in a securities depository. The
rule requires a cust- odian to provide confirmations and keep
records of transaction, and requires the custodian, its agents, and
depositories to pro- vide reports on internal accounting controls
at the company's request. Confirmations and records give the
company objective evidence of transactions performed on its behalf.
Reports on internal controls help companies evaluate the safety of
deposi- tory arrangements.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.