Notes to the accounts

13. Inventories
2008
$m
2007
$m
Raw materials 16.7 9.4
Finished goods 1,428.8 1,341.2
1,445.5 1,350.6

Subsidiary undertakings held $221.5 million of consignment inventory at 2 February 2008 (2007: $205.7 million) which is not recorded on the balance sheet. The principal terms of the consignment agreements, which can generally be terminated by either side, are such that the Group can return any or all of the stocks to the relevant suppliers without financial or commercial penalties.

Inventory provisions
Balance at
beginning of period
$m
Charged
to profit
$m
Utilised(1)
$m
Balance at
end of period
$m
52 weeks ended 28 January 2006 10.7 23.2 (23.3) 10.6
53 weeks ended 3 February 2007 10.6 28.0 (23.9) 14.7
52 weeks ended 2 February 2008 14.7 39.6 (36.8) 17.5

(1)Including the impact of foreign exchange translation.


Inventory provisions have been made for obsolete, slow-moving and damaged stock on a consistent basis.