Philco,
Never heard them called frost plugs in the UK, always knew them as core plugs. They are used to hold the core in place when casting the block (the core being the sand moulding that forms the water passages inside the block).
According to this site Welch plug is from the US (not that you can believe everything you read on the internet ?!)
History of the Welch Plug
If you ever have an engine freeze solid in the cold the ice can force out the core plugs (as well as splitting radiator hoses). I've even heard people state that's what they are there for. I guess this is where the term frost plugs comes from.
Remember someone telling me that before antifreeze was readily available he would open the drain taps on the block & radiator every night and drain the system. Filled up with warm water in the morning. 
Colin
				
			 
			
		 
			
				
			
			
				'56 Series 1 with homemade welder
'65 Series IIa Dormobile
'70 SIIa GS
'76 SIII 88" (Isuzu C240)
'81 SIII FFR
'95 Defender Tanami
Motorcycles :-
Vincent Rapide, Panther M100, Norton BIG4, Electra & Navigator, Matchless G80C, Suzuki SV650
			
			
		 
	
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