LAST week HERMAN'S HERMITS made the headlines by topping the Beatles as America's Best Vocal Group going on chart action for 1965. This is what a lot of people wanted - something to knock the Beatles for. But the most important party in all this, one Mr. Peter Noone, alias Herman, is having none of it.     "Everyone keeps telling me how good it must feel to knock the Beatles off their perch, but this is rubbish," the admirable Herman told me during a break in rehearsals for a TV show at Wembley.     "The only reason we have beaten them is that we've had more records released in the States during the past year. They are out on their own and we certainly haven't toppled their popularity - no one could do that.     "But I must say I am thrilled to be given this honour, as I didn't really think it possible that I could become the top-record seller in America. Sure, I dreamed of it - but dreams don't usually come true.     "Look at THE SEEKERS. They beat the Beatles in some British charts for this year going on a points system, but I bet they don't claim to be more popular. And there certainly isn't talk of this generally, as in my case. But the Seekers and I won on exactly the same system. In agreement     I nodded in agreement and then the subject changed to the annual British table for chart placings. In our survey (see page 2) Herman came only 24th, and I asked him if was satisfied or worried by his status in Britain as a chart regular, particularly now in comparrison with his American triumph.     "I think as far as records go we have slipped, and the reason is obvious. We haven't made commercially suitable singles for Britain."