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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements of Harsco Corporation and in the related Prospectuses of our report
dated January 15, 1997 with respect to the financial statements of United
Defense, L.P. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1996:

     Post Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-8 Registration Statement
     (Registration No. 2-57876), effective May 21, 1982.

     Post Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement
     (Registration No. 33-5300), dated March 26, 1987.

     Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 33-14064), dated May 6,
     1987.

     Amendment No. 2 to Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No.
     33-24854), dated October 31, 1988.

     Form S-3 Registration Statement (Registration No. 33-56885), dated December
     15, 1994.

     Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13175), dated October
     1, 1996.

     Form S-8 Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13173), dated October
     1, 1996.


                                                 ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Washington, D.C.
March 20, 1997