FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    AT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994                                   (202) 616-2771
                                                         TDD (202) 514-1888


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Justice Department's Antitrust
Division, citing technological advances and changes in antitrust
law, tentatively approved today at the request of General
Electric Co. the termination of a 1911 consent decree on the sale
of incandescent light bulbs by GE and other companies.  The
Department reserved the right to withdraw its support up to 10
days after a public comment period.
     Under the decree, GE could conduct business in incandescent
lamps only under its own name and GE and other defendants were
barred from fixing prices, misusing patents, entering into
certain types of exclusive contracts or tying arrangements and
engaging in predatory pricing.     
     The decree stemmed from a complaint alleging that GE tried
to monopolize the incandescent lamp industry by secretly
purchasing many of its competitors, fixing prices and allocating
the market with the remaining competitors.  The complaint also
charged GE and other defendants with predatory pricing, misuse of
patents and the maintenance of unlawful exclusive contracts with
manufacturers of light bulb making machinery and components.

     Anne K. Bingaman, Assistant Attorney General in charge of
the Antitrust Division, said the Department supported termination
of the decree because it was unnecessary since many sections of
the decree duplicate the effect of existing laws, while some
parts bar conduct that is not considered anticompetitive today.
     The Department reserved the right to withdraw its consent
for at least 10 days after the close of a 60-day public comment
period which the Department has requested the court to establish. 
Public comment on the proposed termination of the judgment is
invited within that period.  Interested persons may address
comments to J. Robert Kramer, Chief, Litigation II Section,
Antitrust Division, United States Department of Justice, 1401 H
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  20530.
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