Exhibit 23







                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



          We consent to the incorporation by  reference in the registration
          statements   of   West    Pharmaceutical   Services,   Inc.   and
          subsidiaries, on  Form S-8  (Registration Nos.  2-95618, 2-45534,
          33-39506, 33-32580, 33-37825,  33-61074, 33-61076, 33-12287,  33-
          12289,  and 33-53817) of our  report dated February  26, 1999, on
          our  audits  of the  consolidated  financial  statements of  West
          Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31,
          1998 and 1997,  and for the years ended December  31, 1998, 1997,
          and 1996, which report  is incorporated in this Annual  Report on
          Form 10-K.


          ________________________________
          PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

          Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
          March 31, 1999