Electric Light Bulbs Are Cheaper in Ireland WHY ?

From a Special Correspondent Why should electric light bulbs in Britain cost between a quarter and a third more than they do in Ireland'?
Before May, 1935, Ireland depended almost entirely for its supply of electric lamps on foreign manufacturers. In that year-1935—a native firm went into production and two years later the Government declared an embargo of the importation of lamps, which meant that this new firm had a complete monopoly for the sale of electric lamps in the twenty-six counties.
The result of this national protection against international rings ha ti been most in teresting and it raises obvious questions about the treatment of consumers in this country.
STILL MAKE A PROFIT
Prices of raw materials have increased as a result of the war, general costs have risen, markets have been affected—yet this Irish firm has consistently lowered the prices of electric lamps in Ireland since its inception six years ago. Even during the war it has been found pciasthle to announce a reduction in price. And yet, in spite of this, profits ate still made and wages are unaffected. The latest war-time reduction was made possible by taking a smaller nett profit—£16,642 instead of 125,378 in 1940.
This only goes to show that the firm in question can make a substantial profit, satisfy its workers, and at the same time keep down the prices of its products—in spite of war-time conditions.
A 60-watt lamp of first quality costs Is. 9d. ine England to-day (exclusive of purchase tax); in Ireland it costs Is. 2d. And before the establishment of the monopoly the same lamp (exclusive of duly) cost in Ireland 2s. Id. The corresponding prices for a 212,500. 6d-watt lamp are 22s, 6d„ 17s. 6d, and
IT OUGHT TO BE POSSIBLE HERE These figures prove conclusively that elec. tric lamps can be produced in Ireland at a price which is economical to the community and at the sante time advantageous to the employers and employees of the industry. In other words, the low price is not secured by reduction of wages, as has sometimes happened in the past.
" Relations between the staff and the company." says the annual report, " are as usual of the most cordial character. Consistent with giving the public the best value possible, we make it a point to give a square deal to those who depend on the industly for a living, while they in turn reciprocate. In this connection it is no harm to mention that in the balance sheet now proposed for adoption the superannuation fund is being supplemented by £500."
It seems to be clear, then, that this firm can produce electric lamps of first quality at a price which does not seem to he possible to other firms. Substantial profit is made; a dividend of 5 per cent. has been paid, making a total of 10 per cent. less income tax for the whole year; employers and workers are satisfied—and yet the cnnoinier is offered the finished article at prices which are less than the lamp ring can offer.
The question for us here in England is: Why is it that lamps cannot be produced in a similar way here? Why should prices be so much higher here'? Ilas the lamp ring any explanation to offer? Perhaps the directors of the industry will answer these questions. The cominunity is surely entitled to an explanatioa I Franciscan Tertiaries in U.S.: The Fifth National Congress of the Third Order of St. Francis is being held in Pittsburgh between October 11-13. It will have as its theme, "Christian Brotherhood in the Light of the Charity of St. Francis." The theme of the convention will be applied particularly to Franciscan youth with a large number of young people taking part in the programme.