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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated April 11, 1996, included in the 1997 Form 10-K
into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 File
Nos. 33-55762, 33-58076, 33-11578, each as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Houston, Texas
March 30, 1998