It could be that the axis tool is resetting itself back to the default every time the auto-save kicks in (which might make it seem like the axis changing locations from toggling the perspective).

thanks guys hidden lines were on another layer and turned off. think this has resolved issue

thanks for reply, yip found the scale tool. Wouldnt it be great if you could scale scrapbook objects on import to drawings...eg 1:1 down to 1:10 or 1:20?