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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
of Zapata Corporation on Form S-3 (File No. 33-68034) and on Form S-8's (File
Nos. 33-19085 and 33-45251) of our reports dated December 15, 1995, on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Zapata Corporation as of September 30, 1995 and 1994 and for the
years then ended, which reports are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-
K.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Houston, Texas
December 21, 1995