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EXHIBIT 10(B)
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Experts" in the
Prospectus and in Post-Effective Amendment Number 10 to the Registration
Statement (Form N-4, No. 33-34813) of John Hancock Variable Annuity Account U.
We also consent to the inclusion of our reports dated February 11, 2000 on
the financial statements included in the Annual Report of the John Hancock
Variable Annuity Account U, and dated March 10, 2000 on the financial
statements included in the Annual Report of the John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company for the year ended December 31, 1999.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
July 11, 2000
