Does your "unusually-designed lamp" have any exposed metal parts? If
so
they may need earthing (I don't think you can assume that a
lampholder
provides Class 2 insulation.)

None at all...

Otherwise use 2-core flex, as you say. Don't attempt bodges like
cutting off the earth wire in a 3-core flex, as this may confuse
someone
trying to change the plug or undertake a PAT test at a later date.

This is what I was going to do - it struck me that I could just wire
the earth at the plug end and then not connect it at the bulb end.

Flex used to wire directly to a lampholder should be the
heat-resisting
grade to BS 6141 (you can buy this in B&Q) and not ordinary 70 deg C
rated type (BS 6500).

Thanks for the tip.

Jerry - I realise that it may come across as slightly dim but this is
not a troll. Attempt to get your head around the idea that not everyone
has an interest in the same topics as, I presume, yourself and have
very little 'common knowlegde' to go on in this area...

I happen to have a copy of the Reader's Digest DIY 'bible', yes, and it
encourages me to do ludicrous things like replace my consumer unit. Not
for me, and I agree with you that its breezy tone and perfect-world
diagrams probably encourage a wide range of ill-advised projects.
However, can I find an answer to a 'basic question' like this? It would
seem not.

Thanks for the replies,
cam