To stir things up - what about the IMC rating? All 15 hours can be credited on CBIR!
Do you have a reference for that? The
CAA webpage on the topic opens up another bag of worms
You can claim a maximum of 30 hours towards the 40 hours course if you have flown under IFR and IMC conditions under the privileges of an EIR, ICAO IR or IMC/IR(R). You must have completed:
a minimum of 10 hours of instrument flight time under instruction in an aeroplane at an Authorised Training Organisation.
A minimum of 25 hours of dual instrument instruction
What is an Authorised Training Organisation for the IMC?