Sorry. The solution.
The lights are controlled from a multi-functional lever which runs into the steering column. Apparently a wire from that and inside the steering column which is involved with low-beams flexes quite a bit when the tilt wheel is moved up and down. Eventually it breaks. According to the man it's a common problem with older models of this type.
Solution is to remove the column cover and splice in a length of wire. Now all I have to figure out is how to get that vinyl wrapping off. Haven't looked closely at it yet.
Arf