Zafira A no fuel pump until cranking begins. Normal?

On most cars when you switch the ignition on prior to cranking ,you should here a buzz for a few seconds as pump primes . Try switching the ignition on / of a few times before starting . You may have a weak fuel pump . If there is a inline fuel filter as opposed to one in tank , change that also

Thank you for your swift response. The plot thickens, I think this car is flooding. One morning it surprised us all and started. Turned it off as door key on car key to go inside and collect wife and dog. We climbed in and tried to go and it refused to start, exact usual symptoms. Gave up and borrowed another car. Some time later it started, I guess the plugs have dried out. Tomorrow I will fit a new air cleaner element and try again. Thinking about it, the car was serviced by local mechanic for 100,000 miles, do not remember it ever being changed, I think they bang it on a table and refit it. I have high hopes this may fix it. I've started praying. I know it will not work but I makes me feel better. Ta