17.— (1) Subject to subsection (2), where in legal proceedings relief by way of interpleader is granted by a court and it appears to the court that the issue between the claimants is one in respect of which there is an arbitration agreement between the claimants, the court shall direct that the issue between the claimants be determined in accordance with the agreement.

(2) A court shall not direct that the issue between the claimants referred to in subsection (1) be determined in accordance with the arbitration agreement concerned where the court finds that the arbitration agreement is null and void, inoperative or incapable of being performed.

(3) Where subsection (1) applies but the court does not direct that the issue be determined in accordance with the arbitration agreement, any provision that an award is a condition precedent to the bringing of legal proceedings in respect of any matter shall not affect the determination of that issue by the court.