Andy Hall wrote:

In fact the UK is the only place where one sees pull cords for
lightswitches as a standard thing.

Despite the fact that ordinary wall switches have been allowed (in Zone
3 or beyond) for over six years now.

Most places have sockets in bathrooms as well, generally quite close to
the basin, and no special types either.

It's widely rumoured that this will finally be allowed in the UK when
the 17th Edition (BS 7671:2008?) comes into force during 2008. Sockets
to be in Zone 3 or beyond and 30 mA RCD protected.

--
Andy