607.Subsection (1) provides that the Secretary of State is under a duty to provide accommodation for the Authority and each of the functional bodies for a period of 5 years from Royal Assent (“the 5 year period”). Under subsections (2) and (3), the Secretary of State may make an Order reducing the 5 year period for a body falling within subsection (1), (the Authority and each of the functional bodies), if he is satisfied that appropriate accommodation is provided for that body; this reduced period can be extended by the Secretary of State making a further order, substituting a longer period if he considers it necessary, expedient or desirable to do so, although the longer period cannot extend beyond the 5 year period.
608.Subsections (4) and (5) provide that the Secretary of State need not provide accommodation for a body under subsection (1), for any period during which that body notifies him that it does not require accommodation. The provision of accommodation under subsection (1) is on such financial and other terms as the Secretary of State may determine.
Commentary on Sections Part Xi: Miscellaneous and General Provisions Section 401: Accommodation for Authority and functional bodies