Sorted the issue. The replacement plug lead on No4 was not sitting properly and as a consequence was arcing (white residue on lead).
I re-seated the lead at a slight angle and the lead clicked into place. No more issue.
As for the plug disintergrating, I have no idea how this occurred. I am fortunate to have a car hoover with a pipe just slighlty less than that of the plug area, so I was able to remove all debris before removing the plug. I dread to think of the catastophy that would of caused. Anyhow, thank you for your response.
Chris Lee
August 2008