British Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday welcomed a Russian proposal that Syria hand over its chemical weapons to the international community to avoid US military action.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier called on the Assad regime to hand over control of its chemical weapons and have them destroyed, a proposal welcomed by his Syrian counterpart.

"If that were to be the case it would be hugely welcome," Cameron told lawmakers.

"If Syria were to put its chemical weapons beyond use, under international supervision, clearly that would be a big step forward and should be encouraged."

He added: "I think we have to be careful though this is not a distraction tactic to discuss something else rather than the problem on the table," Cameron added.

"But if it is a genuine offer it should be genuinely looked at."