17.—(1) In performing its duty under section 2(1)(c) or (d) (duty to plan to continue to perform functions or to respond, should an emergency occur), a Scottish Category 1 responder must have regard to the activities of voluntary organisations which carry on activities–
(a)in the area in which the functions of that Scottish Category 1 responder are exercisable; and
(b)which are relevant in an emergency.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), voluntary organisations carry on activities which are relevant in an emergency if they carry on activities for the purpose of–
(a)preventing an emergency;
(b)reducing, controlling or mitigating the effects of an emergency; or
(c)taking other action in connection with an emergency.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), it is immaterial if the voluntary organisation also carries on activities for other purposes.