Abstract: To permit easy insertion and removal of a compact fluorescent lamp (2) in and from a socket, the socket is formed with a body (3) having an engagement surface wall (5) from which a shelf (4) projects bounded by side walls (22, 23) to define a base reception cavity (25). The engagement wall (5) is formed with slits (11) to permit terminal pins (13) from the lamp to pass therethrough, for engagement with electrical terminal contacts (T). The lamp is held in position by a resilient catch or latch or snap-over element (14) movably mounted on the engagement wall (5), for example by being molded on a separated strip portion (15) forming a resilient holder, and projecting from the engagement wall (5), to snap over the end portion of a base (35) of the lamp, when inserted. To release the lamp, the catch can be bent backwardly. Holding projections (30) on the shelf lock the lamp in position.