Yep, we use 'em by the box full. All appliances up to 3kw now have to be supplied with a ready-fitted 13A plug by law. That came in a couple of years ago, although many were already so equipped.
Certainly up until the 1980s it was usual for most new appliances (including TVs, table lamps etc.) to be supplied without a plug -- A hangover from the days when there were still many different types of receptacles in use.
By the way, fixed appliances can also be hard-wired to the ring by way of a "fused connection unit" or "fused spur unit." It fits the same size box as a single-gang socket and takes the same type of fuse as a 13A plug. Available with or without switch, the latter being common for alarms etc.
