[Federal Register: August 9, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 152)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 43071-43072] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr09au99-18] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Parts 10 and 12 Rules of Practice and Reparation Rules; Final Rules; Corrections AGENCY: Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Final Rules; technical corrections. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On October 19, 1998, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``Commission'') published in the Federal Register (63 FR 55784) final regulations amending its rules of practice (``Rules''), 17 CFR part 10 (1998), which govern most adjudicatory proceedings brought under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (``Act''), other than reparations proceedings. The Commission has determined to make certain technical corrections to the rules to clarify its delegation of authority and to eliminate an obsolete retroactivity provision. In addition, the Commission has determined to make a technical correction to its Reparation Rules, 17 CFR part 12 (1994), to clarify its delegation of authority. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 2, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Nathan, Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, (202) 418-5120. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission recently has undertaken a reexamination of its part 10 and part 12 rules and has identified those rules that require amendment to effect technical or conforming changes. I. Rules Being Amended The following Commission rules are being amended. A. 17 CFR 10.109 Commission Rule 10.109 delegates certain authority to the Chief of the Opinions Section. As adopted, the rule authorizes the Chief or a person under his direction to handle particular procedural and technical matters and, in his discretion, to submit any matters otherwise falling within the terms of this rule to the Commission for its consideration. There is no longer an ``Opinions Section.'' Consequently, references in Rule 10.109 to ``the Chief of the Opinions Section'' have been changed to ``the General Counsel.'' The current Rules became applicable to all proceedings pending as of August 20, 1985. Since there are no matters pending before the Commission which date back to August 20, 1985, that provision is unnecessary and is being deleted. B. 17 CFR 12.408 Commission Rule 12.408 delegates certain authority to the Deputy General Counsel for Opinions. As adopted, the rule authorizes the Deputy General Counsel for Opinions or a person under his direction designated by him to perform specific procedural and technical functions and, in his discretion, to submit any matters otherwise falling within the terms of this rule to the Commission for its consideration. There is no longer a Deputy General Counsel for Opinions. Consequently, references in Rule 12.408 to ``the Deputy General Counsel for Opinions'' have been changed to ``the General Counsel.'' C. Administrative Procedure Act The Commission has determined that the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553, does not require notice of proposed rulemaking and an opportunity for public participation in connection with these corrections. In this regard, the Commission notes that such notice and opportunity for comment is unnecessary because these technical corrections are related solely to agency organization, procedure and practice and make technical corrections. Accordingly, the Commission finds good cause to make these corrections effective August 2, 1999, 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), 553(d)(3). In consideration of the foregoing, and pursuant to the authority contained in the Commodity Exchange Act and, in particular, sections 2(a)(4) and 2(a)(11), the Commission corrects Chapter I of Title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: List of Subjects 17 CFR Part 10 Administrative practice and procedure, Commodity exchanges, Commodity futures, Rules of practice before administrative agency. 17 CFR Part 12 Administrative practice and procedure, Commodity exchanges, Commodity futures, Reparations. PART 10--RULES OF PRACTICE 1. The authority citation for part 10 continues to read as follows: Authority: Pub. L. 93-463, sec. 101(a)(11), 88 Stat. 1391; 7 U.S.C. 4a(j), unless otherwise noted. 2. Section 10.109 is amended by revising the introductory text, paragraph (a)(2)(ii) and (b) and by removing paragraph (d) to read as follows: Sec. 10.109 Delegation of authority to the General Counsel. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission hereby delegates, until such time as it orders otherwise, the following function to the General Counsel, to be performed by him or by such person or persons under his direction as he may designate from time to time: (a) * * * (2) * * * (ii) Where, in his judgment, clarification or supplementation of the initial decision or other order disposing of the entire proceeding prior to Commission review is appropriate; however, the General Counsel or his designee may not direct that the record be reopened; * * * * * (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, in any case in which the General Counsel or his designee believes it appropriate, he may submit the matter to the Commission for its consideration; * * * * * PART 12--RULES RELATING TO REPARATION PROCEEDINGS 1. The authority citation for part 12 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 4a(j), 12a(5), and 18. 2. Section 12.408 is amended by revising the introductory text and paragraph (b) to read as follows: Sec. 12.408 Delegation of authority to the General Counsel. Pursuant to the authority granted under section 2(a)(4) and 2(a)(11) of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 4a(c) and 4a(j), the Commission hereby delegates, until such time as it orders otherwise, the following functions to the General Counsel, to be performed by him or such person or persons under his direction as he may designate from time to time: * * * * * (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, in any case in which he believes it appropriate, the General Counsel or his designee may [[Page 43072]] submit the matter to the Commission for its consideration. * * * * * Issued in Washington, DC this 2nd day of August, 1999, by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Jean A. Webb, Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 99-20275 Filed 8-6-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6351-01-M
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