well new hope it seems...
we had the fuel line straight off the pump in a measuring jug and it didnt give anything near what it should in flowrate, not even half in fact, and it took a few secs for the dribble to appear, but it did give some pressure when i held my thumb over the line for a few seconds. we checked the fuel lines for airlocks, kinks etc...
so first thing is a new pump now as we have proved this one is not performing as it should, then if it cures the problem, bonus, but im not holding my breath