On the mot,and doing wheel bearings this weekend, grabbing the passenger front  wheel top and bottom there seems to be a small amount of play. Ball joints good,track rod ends good. Even had a good going over the trailing arms. I lost patience and did the bearing up firm and the only thing I could see was a slight flexing of the long steering rod. Does this sound normal ??

Not exactly sure where you are feeling movement. Very slight play in the front wheel bearings is correct. No movement in any other the joints is acceptable.
Paul

The wheel bearings need a little play or they could sieze when hot.

if you have done the bearing up tight, UNDO it or it will overheat and break up. Ask Glen as I changed all four front bearings at IBW in Holland as they were nipped up a bit tight.

MOT guy probably only does modern vehicles and has no idea on classics. Ask if anyone can recommend a garage in your area for next year.

Mot not an issue,it was the fact that there seems to be a small amount of play 'somewhere'. No play in the joints anywhere or the trailing arms. Done about 30 miles and checked the bearings, lovely. The whole spindle assembly moves slightly when wiggled with hands top and bottom, am damded sure the long rod is flexing,unless maybe the rod end on the steering box has play,just thought as writing. 

If you're bearing is set correct there should be a small amount of play.
Paul

In the bearings yes 

Yes, bearings only. None I the track rod ends or tie rods.
Paul

If the stub axle moves it is the top and bottom ball joints or play in the trailing arms in the beam bearings. These are old motors and do have  slight movement in places.

Aah, beam bearings . Will look into that one.

 Snoopy is correct here. I have found over the years that if you have rock on the wheel when pulling\pushing top\bottom of wheel and you are absolutely sure that the wheel bearings are indeed sound it can only be beam bearings or track rod ends. Quite often, unless completely knackered, you will not see play just using hands at the track rod ends etc. Have both wheels up off ground and use a "burglars jemmy",  (yes I have one  ), or a large tyre lever type object and use the lever to apply pressure and any play will be noticable. (Not to be done with just a car jack under car. Axle stands needed).