I contacted the editor of 'Autocar' who contacted Ford.
Answer was that the auto box had a homologation issue with regard to emissions and that it 'may' be available around the middle of next year. As the ST is the only model to use that 7-speed box I wasn't putting any money on that!
A friend (who was a homologation engineer for Volvo) reckoned this was a valid reason.
According to my dealer (who is a 'mate') there are several model variants which are no longer available due to emissions requirements.
The Leon Cupra that I've ordered is being replaced next year with a lower powered hybrid version...
Never mind - we'll soon be running around in cars powered by AA batteries, with a 0-6- measured in days and a top speed measured in feet per fortnight!!!
Good job I've still got the TVR in the garage (and still (just) young enough to drive it....)