MEDICS from York's Strensall Barracks will treat any victims of a chemical or biological attack if war breaks out in the Gulf.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that hundreds of reservists have been trained at the barracks to deal with the devastating consequences of an attack by Saddam Hussein.

The medics would also have responsibility for treating any Iraqis injured in a chemical attack.

York MP Hugh Bayley, who has visited the barracks, said the reservists may have to play a key role in the Gulf.

The Labour MP, who watched a simulated exercise in which Territorial Army members set up a 200-bed hospital camp, told the Evening Press: "If it comes to war, and Saddam Hussein uses chemical or biological weapons, there could be a lot of casualties.

"The UN agencies and other agencies are likely to withdraw, so that would leave the medics with an important role to play.

"This does not just mean military forces, but they will deal with Iraqi civilian victims too.

"This could happen, as Saddam Hussein has used chemical weapons against Iraqi people before."

Armed Forces Minister Lewis Moonie said the health training centre at Strensall had proved "very successful".

He said: "Reserves have to be well prepared for the roles that they may have to play, and that preparation is much more effective than it was at the time of the last Gulf conflict. Units will play a major part, and they have received the training and equipment that they need to discharge their duties effectively."

Meanwhile military engineers based in Ripon have set off for the Gulf to join the thousands of British troops already in the region.

A total of 120 soldiers from 25 Armoured Engineer Squadron, part of 38 Engineer Regiment, which is based at Claro Barracks in the city, were today in the process of setting out to rejoin their equipment, which has already been shipped out.

The squadron is "tasked" to join 7 Armoured Brigade, which is expected to play a pivotal role in any conflict.

They were given a ceremonial send-off at the barracks yesterday by Ripon Hornblower Jim Vauvert.

Updated: 10:21 Wednesday, March 05, 2003