Or if you want some more advanced plugin with similar features outlined above, here is TT's edge tools: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=24593

Thank you very much for the speedy replies, Tig I am going to download your plugin as it sounds exactly the tool I need, thank you very much. Jean I selected all the layers and changed the layer info but it still seemed to keep the unwanted layer info within the group when I opened to edit them. I need to keep the groups as they are as its an intricate stairway and I have a feeling when I send it back he will still need maximum editability, thank you for the other info, It will be stored and used in future.

Are the DWG lines in a group or component? If so, either explode the group or component or cut or copy the desired lines out of the group/component and paste them in place on the rectangle. You may also need to select everything and run an Intersect operation. Posting your model or at the least a screen grab would be a big help.