Exhibit 99(b)

Experts

The financial statements and financial statement schedules incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement (which report express an
unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to a change
in the method of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and accounting for
deferred acquisition costs associated with internal replacements in 2007). Such
financial statements and financial statement schedules have been incorporated by
reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.