DESIGNATION OF A DISTRICT JUDGE
 FOR SERVICE IN ANOTHER DISTRICT WITHIN THE CIRCUIT
    
    

pursuant to the provisions of Title 28 U.S.C. § 292(b), I do hereby designate and assign the

Honorable Alfred M. Wolin of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey to

hold court in the District of Delaware during the period beginning November 27, 2001 and

ending November 27, 2002, and for such additional time thereafter as may be required to

complete unfinished business in the following cases:

L. Robinson, Judge Joseph J. Farnan, Jr., Judge Roderick R. McKelvie and Judge Gregory M.

Sleet of the District of Delaware. As Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and presiding officer

of the Judicial council of the Third Circuit, it is my considered judgment that these bankruptcy

cases, which carry with them tens of thousands asbestos claims, need to be consolidated before a

single judge so that a coordinated plan for management can be developed and implemented. It is

contemplated that Judge Wolin will assign a portion of these cases to various bankruptcy judges

sitting in the District of Delaware so they may assist in moving these matters forward. As a 

significant portion of the asbestos cases in this country are proceeding under the aegis of this

litigation, I deem this assignment and consolidation critically important to the administration of

justice.