Julian
I am just sorting this stuff out for my own benefit and was told the same re the restricted PPL being enough to take you to the next step (i.e. the CPL) However I have just this minute been told by those in know (AFT @ Norwich) that this would be incorrect and that you need the full FAA PPL before you can do the CPL.
I will have a look in the FAR AIMs when I have a minute
FD