Hello Marc,
The problem was as your suggested. One wire of the hand brake switch was disconnected. Reconnecting this solved teh problem.
Thank you very much!

I also discovered on sensor that was just hanging loose below the floor board near the steering column. I have taken a picture of this but am not sure how to send this to you.

Another question I have is regarding the steering sensor. What type of sensor is this? Is it a tacho generator? It is fixed on the shaft leading to the steering motor after the steering column. I was expecting this to be attached to the steering column.

The rear parking lights and brake lights are not functioning on this machine. The brake light switch seems to be missing from the brake pedal area and I see 2 wires there. The bulbs on the reas lamps are OK.