Genghis - I disagree. The requirements for a JAR 66-A are more stringent (I'd imagine) than those within the ATPL syllabus. JAR 145.30, para (f) (1) stipulates that an organisation involved in, for example, line maintenance, must have staff appropriately qualified under JAR 66 A, B1 & B2.
So how can pilots be exempt from this requirement? Rhetorical question, because I'll tell you why. The Air Navigation Order allows the CAA (NAA in this case) to waive certain requirements. In my opinion, this is as a result of commercial expediency. I am afraid the UK CAA is pandering to the industry. This, again in my opinion, is partly due to the fact that industry funds the CAA by way of exhorbitant charges. This may generate a mindset dictating that the industry must be able to get something for their money. If the CAA were part of the DTLR (as the FAA is part of the DOT), and the taxpayer were to fund their operations, this situation may not arise. Just a thought.