31 MAY 1986, Page 23

Peter and Andrew

Sir: Drivel is free, but facts are sacred. In spite of Andrew Neil's letter last week, according to the annual reports at Com- panies House for the Children's Bookshop Ltd, he purchased shares in the company from a Cabinet minister, Peter Walker. This was confirmed to me by Mr Walker. Mr Neil is right that it was not 'a Cabinet Minister's private company' because Mr Walker did not have a controlling interest, but methinks he quibbles too much.

Peter Hillmore

The Observer,

8 St Andrews Hill London EC4.