1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
   
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 333-43299 of Primark Corporation on Form S-3 of our
report dated February 11, 1997, incorporated by reference in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Primark Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to
the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part
of this Registration Statement.
    
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
   
February 5, 1998