Thank you both for your prompt replies.
The datasheet, all 174 pages of it, has been my constant study companion in recent weeks, but I missed the part about slow timing being required for EEPROM writes. And, as in the previous discussion, I miss-read the section on the workings of PullUps on GP3. Lots of stuff in those pages!
I have, on another project using a Pic that does not have OshonSoft support for WRITE, used the assembler code READ & WRITE example from the relevant datasheet as suggested to perform WRITE and READ successfully (according to the simulator anyway). I was considering doing the same for this project but from your helpful comments there would be no gain for, as pointed out, timing is a function of the Pic hardware. And, as I said the inquiry was somewhat academic anyway as the the real world function of the PCB is not affected by the apparently extended "WRITE"time anyway.
Just trying to improve my understanding for future reference., and thanks to you guys, mission accomplished.
Thank you both again for assistance.