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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

    We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
333-08542 and 333-12666 of Reed International P.L.C. and Elsevier NV on Form S-8
and in the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.
333-6710-02 of Reed International P.L.C. and Elsevier NV on Form F-3 of our
report dated February 21, 2001, relating to the combined financial statements of
Reed Elsevier, appearing in the Annual Report of Reed International
P.L.C., Elsevier NV, Reed Elsevier plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV and their
respective subsidiaries on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2000.

Deloitte & Touche
Chartered Accountants
London, England
13 March 2001

Deloitte & Touche
Accountants
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
13 March 2001