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                                                            EXHIBIT NO. 99.14(b)

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Independent Auditors"
in the Combined Proxy Statement and Prospectus and "Independent Auditors and
Financial Statements" in the Statement of Additional Information and to the
incorporation by reference of our report dated April 14, 2000 with respect to
PaineWebber Municipal High Income Fund in this Registration Statement on Form
N-14 of MFS Series Trust III.



                                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP


New York, New York
November 30, 2000



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