Thanks for the comments folks.
HWD:
conditions for the JAR FCL are as laid out in the ANO, i.e. no PPL IFR in A,B or C without an IR
As far as I can see, this condition is given explicitly for the UK PPL and NPPL but not for the JAR PPL.
I agree with FFF's interpretation of JAR FCL 1.175(b). It does not state that if IFR is required under specified circumstances that it is permissible
only under those circumstances (although it took me a few reads before I realised that).
Trevor Thom's book suggests that day IFR in VMC by a vanilla JAR PPL is legal.
Don't you just love this multiple regulation/requirement inclusion/exception thing! Circuitous routes through the ANO, JAR FCL and the AIP can be fun can't they?
MC