<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT (10)(c)
CONSENT OF BARRY G. SKOLNICK, ESQ.
I hereby consent to the reference to my name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the prospectus included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4 for certain variable annuity insurance
contracts issued through Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A
and included in the prospectus included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to
the Registration Statement on Form N-4 for certain variable annuity insurance
contracts issued through Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B
of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company, File Nos. 33-43773 and 33-45379.
/s/ BARRY G. SKOLNICK
-----------------------------------------
Barry G. Skolnick
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
July 7, 2000
------------
