Recession Data

[FPI <fpi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Does anyone know what govt agency is responsible, if any, for determining 
officially when a recession starts and stops?

I have data from the Business Cycle Dating Committee of the National Bureau 
of Economic Research, but that's a private organization.

Any URL that may be helpful would also be appreciated.

I basically want to know the month & year of each "official" recession 
since 1948.

Many thanks,

FPI