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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(B)
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
   
We consent to the use in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
Statement No. 33-58303 of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company on Form S-1 of
our report dated February 24, 1997 appearing in the Prospectus, which is a part
of such Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in such Prospectus.
    
 
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
New York, New York
   
March 27, 1997