Morris Minor Owners Club

I have really just started pulling my 2 door to bits to begin fixing it but have picked up a type 9 gearbox for the future. The input shaft has a bit of up and down play which i assumed was due to a worn bearing, in fact looks more like movement between the OD of the bearing and the box. Checked my minors box and it is exactly the same.
Is the play intentional for easier alignment or do both boxes have worn bearings.

Can't comment on the 9, but on a Minor box there will be some play in the bearing - but there should NOT be play between bearing and housing..