Just to update this thread again  
 
Had a week of trouble free driving, then the problem returned.
Van would start and run fine.  After a few miles it would cut out, and refuse the restart.  Wait for 5 minutes, then restart OK and continue for a few more miles.  Repeat.
I've now replaced the Hall generator (inside the dizzy).  Bit fiddly - you have to hacksaw/dremel the body of the dizzy to fit the new plug -but got there in the end.  It's now been back on the road for a week, used daily for commuting, and seems OK.
For info, my van starts much better now I have replaced the (4-month old) BERU amp with a 'new-old-stock' VW ignition amp (both from Brickwerks).
Cheers
Jim