Hi Tilley
No, you should not have any excessive play in the bush ..... I can't speak for the IVA test but it certainly an MOT failure
Play was quite common in the sierra bush, If you have used a new bush it will need looking into, if not, it will need to be replaced .
My own column is rock steady, fitted with a new bush kit.
As for the spring, i'll have alook into mine tomorrow ..... I don't recall seeing a spring on mine but I know one was fitted to the column that I didn't use !!