Thanks for the reply, but that shows a standard pattress box that one can get anywhere. I think I'll post a photo as obviously my description is not clear!
I have a controller for my electric underfloor heating which is the same size as a single light switch / 13 amp socket. I want to use a surface mount box but the fixing mechanism is not the same as a standard pattress box. Obviously, the standard switch has two holes in it through which screws pass ...