EXHIBIT 14(b)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
Merrill Lynch Multi-State Limited Maturity Municipal Series Trust:
   
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
on Form N-14 of our report dated September 12, 1997 appearing in the annual
report to shareholders of the Merrill Lynch Multi-State Limited Maturity
Municipal Series Trust for the year ended July 31, 1997, and to the references
to us under the captions "Comparison of the State Funds and Limited Maturity
Portfolio--Financial Highlights" and "Experts" appearing in the Proxy
Statement and Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement.     
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
   
November 24, 1997