Besoeker,
Another Brit here ...... the UK 3 phase distribution system has never had fused neutrals (because of the non-symmetrical voltages that would develop if you loose the neutral on 3 phase circuit) but fused neutrals on single phase final circuits where very common up until about the mid 1960s - obviously many of these still remain in old installations. Also many of the old metal single phase service heads had a fused neutral. A lot of these were a throwback to the old days of DC distribution, especially in London.
My employer makes educational equipment. In order to make it as universal as possible we tend to design it using double pole CB's so that it can be used either line/neutral in the UK/Europe or be wired line/line in other countries such as the US (most of the products are not frequency sensitive).
Adrian
PS. I to hate these new fangled colours for the phases. Which plonker decided it would be a good idea to transpose the colours of a phase & neutral!!! Have they ever tried to differential between brown/black/grey in poor light? I know of at least one death & many thousands of pounds worth of damage caused by this.