New radiative lifetime measurements performed with time-resolved laser spec
troscopy for the 6p(1/2) and 6p(3/2) levels of La III provide a unique oppo
rtunity for testing the adequacy of the relativistic Hartree-Fock approach
for atomic structure calculations in this ion. As a consequence of the comp
arison, an extensive set of accurate f-values is provided for many La III a
nd Lu III UV and visible transitions of astrophysical interest.