Start Preamble August 16, 2002.

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”),^[1] notice is hereby given that on July 29, 2002, the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by NSCC. 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 will adjust the fees NSCC charges for the Initial Application Information (“APP”) of its Insurance Processing Service (“IPS”).^[2]

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

In its filing with the Commission, NSCC included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. NSCC has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, Start Printed Page 54836and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.^[3]

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

The purpose of the proposed rule change is to adjust the fees that NSCC charges for the APP feature of its IPS. The effective date for the adjustment is (i) July 1, 2002, with respect to changes resulting in a decrease in fees paid by members and (ii) August 1, 2002, with respect to all other changes.

The current transaction fee for APP is:

• For 0 to 249 items per month, $7.50 per item;
• For 250 to 999 items per month, $4.00 per item;
• For 1,000 to 2,499 items per month, $2.00 per item; and
• For more than 2,499 items per month, $1.00 per item.

Pursuant to this rule change, the transaction fee for APP will be as follows:

• For 0 to 499 items per month, $5.00 per item;
• For 500 to 1,249 items per month, $4.00 per item;
• For 1,250 to 2,499 items per month, $2.00 per item; and
• For more than 2,499 items per month, $1.00 per item.

The file fee of $15.00 per file, per day will continue to apply to APP.

NSCC believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder because it provides for the equitable allocation of dues, fees, and other charges among NSCC's participants.

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

NSCC does not believe that the proposed rule change will have an impact on or impose a burden on competition.

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

No written comments relating to the proposed rule change have been solicited or received. NSCC has notified participants who use IPS of the fee changes. NSCC will notify the Commission of any written comments received by NSCC.

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

The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act ^[4] and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) ^[5] thereunder because the proposed rule change is changing a due, fee, or other charge. At any time within sixty days of the filing of such 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 purposes of the Act.

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. Persons making written submissions should file six copies thereof with the Secretary, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the rule proposal that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the rule proposal 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 in Washington, DC. Copies of such filing will also be available for inspection and copying at NSCC's principal office. All submissions should refer to File No. SR-NSCC-2002-07 and should be submitted by September 16, 2002.

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