FOR YOUR INFORMATION.................October 27, 1988



     The Federal Trade Commission has given final approval to
the following consent agreements that it had previously accepted
and placed on the public record for comment:


     -    Batesville Casket Co.  The consent order settles
charges that the nation's largest casket maker made false claims
about the length of time its caskets will keep out air, water
and other gravesite substances.  The order prohibits future
misrepresentations concerning casket durability.  The agreement
was placed on the public record on July 29 and issued in final on
October 4. (Docket No. C-3240)

     -    Certain Sioux Falls Obstetricians.  The consent order
settles charges that physicians illegally attempted to
"eliminate or limit" competition from faculty members by
conspiring to boycott the obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN)
residency program of the University of South Dakota Medical
School. Under the consent order, 11 doctors agreed to desist from
concerted activities that interfered with the Medical School's
residency program.  The agreement was placed on the public record
on July 29 and issued in final on October 1. (Docket No. C-3241)


     Consent orders are for settlement purposes only and do not
constitute admission of a law violation.  When issued in final
form, consent orders carry the force of law with respect to
future actions.  Each violation of such an order may result in a
civil penalty of up to $10,000.


     A press release summarizing the complaint and consent
agreement in each case was issued at the time of acceptance.
Copies of the press release and orders are available from the
FTC's Public Reference Branch, Rm. 130, 6th St. and Pennsylvania
Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-326-2222; TTY 202-326-
2502.


                              # # #

MEDIA CONTACT:      Howard Shapiro, Office of Public Affairs,
                    202-326-2180

(2ndstp1088)