Thanks Steph
It seems to be a timing issue to my limited knowledge. Once the DNS server is found the speed usually runs at around 23.7/2.97 which is quite acceptable. It is whilst it has difficulty finding the DNS that the related speed also seems to be down. The problem comes and goes but over the last month has been particularly bad. I note there is a service interupption status message for my postcode 2452 this morning (Saturday 18/6). I won't cross my fingers for a fix on this...there seem to be issues for you all over the country at the moment.
Regards John