Battery off at the moment but I notice the fuel gauge is still showing the same level as it was before.  Is this normal on a 2003 Ka.   The gauge always appear to work fine, I'm just curious

The gauge(s) in the instrument cluster are little stepper motors and are driven both up and down the scale. With out any power they will remain where they were when the battery was disconnected. It's not a very common type of gauge and with the introduction of all electronic digital instrument clusters we are unlikely to ever see them again.

Many, many thanks for your speedy reply, I am currently trying to diagnose a possible fuel pump failure and this is one side issue I can now knock of my list of problems.

Now trying to disconnect the electrical connection on the top of the fuel tank, working through the ridiculously small hole in the boot floor.  Once I've got the lead off I can meter out the connections and also try applying  power directly to the fuel pump.  I would guess the hole is around 40mm to 50mm diameter, not sure if I can get the connector off through the hole, the fuel pump DEFINITELY will not fit through it

Thanks again for your clarification on the fuel gauge