Somerset House Act 1984

Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government may grant a lease of any part of Somerset House for such period as he thinks fit.

Any lease under this section of the part of Somerset House known as the Fine Rooms shall be on terms requiring their use for artistic or cultural purposes with provision for public access, whether on payment or otherwise.

In determining whether, and on what terms, to lease any part of Somerset House the Secretary of State shall have regard to the architectural importance of the building and to the preservation of public access to its courtyard.