In article .com,
writes:
Also is it OK to have them in skirting boards - both in terms of regs
and in terms of what's sensible (not always the same thing).

The regs don't ban sockets on skirting boards.
They require them to be positioned such that flex entry
to the plugs isn't strained, which would rule out fitting
on some skirting boards (unless installed upside down;-).

Part M has guidelines on socket positioning for access by
disabled people, and that wouldn't like such positioning
very much. However, it applies only to new buildings and
modifications to buildings already conforming with Part M,
so it does not apply in your case. This might be what one
of your electricians was mistakenly thinking of though.

--
Andrew Gabriel