The humanitarian cost of war with Iraq will be massive, MPs have warned.

As the possibility of conflict in the Gulf moves closer, members of the international development committee said it was vital that as much effort went into humanitarian plans as provisions for a war against Saddam Hussein.

Their hard-hitting report included a warning that military action "will have major humanitarian consequences".

In a report issued by the committee on Wednesday, the MPs said the United Nations had to be central in co-ordinating the humanitarian effort.

It comes after charities including Christian Aid warned MPs that 60 per cent of Iraqis could be pushed to the brink of starvation.

"It would appear that the military have gone ahead with their planning on the assumption that someone else will come along and clear up afterwards," the MPs conclude.

"We do not believe it is acceptable to wait until the war is over before turning to face the humanitarian consequences."

Strong criticism was not reserved for the British government with the US humanitarian effort being heavily slated.

"Despite USAID's claims that food distribution will continue through oil-for-food, statements of intent are insufficient without acceptance of the financial and legal implications," the MPs said.

The committee demanded that Clare Short's department issue an immediate statement outlining its basic contingency plans.

There was a stark warning on the scale of the problem.

"Based on the evidence we have heard, the scale of humanitarian need may well exceed the capacity of the international system," the MPs said.