Thanks for your answer peccavi, there is a fuse for the alternator and with this missing, there is still the leakage. The alternator contributes to the problem as it does not charge sufficiently when running the car. I have also had a problem with my ammeter and the leakage could be 8ma and not 80. My local dealer has said the residual current should be only 1 - 3 mA and confirms that the charging rate could be better when running. They have also warned me that looking for the fault could be very costly. their first thing that they would do is replace the alternator (400+job) and should the problem remain, it would be an open ended bill.
Alan, March 2011