Oil leak from the starting handle bush

[James Baxter]

On the fixed head vintage engine.
Inside the timing cover is a weir, so when the oil level fills to a certain level, the oil returns to the main sump. But this weir is an inch above the starting handle shaft. So we always leak a small amount of oil each time we park up, through the starting handle bush. The starting handle is well oiled which is great. We are thinking of fitting an oil lip seal , but wondered first if we are missing a trick? Does anyone else have this problem?
Thankyou, James