Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change Relating to a Change in Fee Schedule

Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”), notice is hereby given that on April 6, 2000, 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 primarily by NSCC. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested parties.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The proposed rule change consists of changes to NSCC's fee schedule.

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), and (C) below, of the most significant aspects of these statements.

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

On December 30, 1999, NSCC filed a rule change to amend its fee schedule to charge fees to members using its Insurance Processing Services (“IPS”) for the transmission of test, as well as production, files. These charges became effective on January 3, 2000. However, in order to encourage industry participation in pilot test development programs, NSCC has determined that it will not impose test fees on participants participating with NSCC in pilot test programs to develop service enhancements or additional IPS products. Thus a participant in a pilot test program will not be charged for the transmission of pilot test files for the period of time from the date the participant commences participation in the pilot program through the date that is the last business day of the calendar month immediately following the month during which the pilot enhancement or new IPS product is first released by NSCC into production. Any current IPS participants participating in a prior pilot development program will not be charged for their applicable test files through April 30, 2000. Thereafter, they will be charged in accordance with NSCC's revised fee schedule.

The proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder since 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 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 and Rule 19b-4(f)(2) promulgated thereunder because the proposal establishes or changes a due, fee, or other charge imposed by NSCC. At any time within sixty days of the filing of such 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 purposes of the Act.15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii)

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, 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 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 Section, 450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549. Copies of such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of NSCC. All submissions should refer to File No. SR-NSCC-00-04 and should be submitted by June 28, 2000.

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