London - Upkeep of the historic royal palaces, including the Tower of London and Hampton Court, cost the taxpayer £6.7 million last year.
The annual report and accounts of the Historic Royal Palaces agency, presented to Parliament yesterday, shows a net operating deficit of £7.5 million in 1997, compared to £4.5 million in 1996. However, the agency has raised the amount of income generated from £12 million to £29 million in the seven years it has been responsible for the palaces.