Can you post a photo of the CU?Thanks for the informative reply. I would love to employ a sparky, if I can find one. Two came, looked at it and suggested a new consumer unit (which we do need) and various other suggestions. Not heard from them since. I don't smell so do not understand why we cannot get one. Need someone to fit a new, larger consumer unit and extra sockets in various places. I can do some thing myself but consumer units are a no no. I would prefer the other wiring to be done as we would then get a certificate (I hope).
If there is no RCD provision for the sockets then any legitimate sparky won't fit more - it is against the regulations as they now stand (replacing a broken socket is OK though). If you can post an approximate location (e.g. town) there might be someone on here that covers your area.
In England and Wales replacing a CU is notifiable work under Part P of the building regulations. That was brought it largely due to the number of fires and other safety incidents. While Scotland and (I think) NI don't have that specific rule yet, the CU should be considers as a job only for professionals: folk with the knowledge, practical skills, and test equipment to do it safely.