> I use a Company called Farnell in UK.
> Their catalogue shows 873,874,876 and 877 as available now at 7.09,
> 7.64, 7.64 and 8.20 (GBP) for 04P versions.

I order from there sometimes, too. So, in which catalog did you find them;
the paper version, the Connect CD, or the online version? My paper catalog
(April 99) doesn't show it, neither does the online catalog. Hmm...

> I have not asked if they are in stock.  Probably not

Might be the same as with the 20 MHz PIC16C505 which is listed in the
April 99 paper catalog - I tried ordering them and they said "well, they'll
be in stock in the autumn" - so that's it for those parts then.