Ed,
Thanks for that. With the help of a friend about a week ago I was able to verify that the switch is not the problem and he told me it was most likely a loose wire or the resistor block and I decided to wait until we get home next week.
So I thought I would try to find out where the resistor block is located by posting here. While I was waiting for an answer on the forum I got curious and had another look at the connections at the fan which I can't clearly see but in feeling around I must have done something because now the fan works!
Paul