A majority of Scottish MPs would not support Britain's involvement in a war with Iraq at this stage, according to a newspaper poll.

The survey carried out by the Sunday Mail newspaper found that 70% of the 57 MPs who responded were not in favour of action and called for more evidence that Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction.

The paper said that 11 MPs could not be contacted, while four others did not wish to give their opinion on the matter.

The Sunday Mail asked all 72 MPs: "Do you agree with US and British military intervention in Iraq with the current evidence available?"

Alex Salmond: Seeking UN approval

The survey, which was carried out last week, found that 38 were against waging war against Saddam Hussein at this time.

Twenty five were Labour MPs including Tam Dalyell - one of the most vocal critics of the government on the issue - and Frank Roy.

Eight Liberal Democrats and five SNP MPs were also against any action.

The reasons quoted for opposition to action at present included the lack of evidence that the Iraqi president was more of a threat than he was five years ago and the need for a new United Nations resolution against him.

Nineteen MPs said they supported action under the current situation.

Of those in favour of action, 14 were either government ministers or whips, the Sunday Mail said.

Recall of parliament

Peter Duncan, Scotland's only Conservative MP, and 18 Labour MPs said they were in favour of going to war before any new evidence against Iraq was produced or a new UN resolution passed.

House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin, who represents Glasgow Springburn, said he could not comment because of the need to remain impartial.

Alex Salmond, Scottish National Party Westminster group leader, was one of the first MPs to call for a recall of parliament to debate the matter.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, Mr Salmond he would support multilateral action sanctioned by the UN, as in 1991 when military action was taken against Iraq for its invasion of Kuwait.

He said: "There are a lot of 'ifs' in that question but right through my political career I've followed the argument that international intervention should be sanctioned by the United Nations."