I don't know what that error means (I've never used CPAN), but I have an alternate suggestion. You could try a different PPM repository, like http://theoryx5.uwinnipeg.ca/cgi-bin/ppmserver?urn:/PPMServer58.
(Type "help repository" at the PPM prompt to see how to change the repository.)
Joe
Comment on Re: Need advice on CPAN install please...
Thanks blahblahblah but that is a ppm3 repository and I am using PPM4. I already have the Kobes PPM4 repository in my systems, it does not appear to be available there.