A NEWPORT MP is questioning whether the predicted 65,000 deaths from swine flu was based on scientific research or "scaremongering" from pharmaceutical companies.

Newport West MP Paul Flynn asked in the House of Commons if the threat of deaths was based on evidence or an exaggeration, influenced by pharmaceutical company lobbyists.

"What we want to find out is whether this was decided on proper scientific basis or the pressure from pharmaceutical companies to make bigger profits - how powerful are the pharmaceutical companies in influencing the World Health Organization (WHO)?" he said.

Mr Flynn, chairman of the social, health and family affairs committee of the parliamentary assembly of the council of Europe, said he is waiting for a response on how much the UK government spent on Tamiflu from companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and rivals Baxter, and what the surplus is.

A meeting is being held on January 26 by the committee to look into the role of drugs companies and the WHO.

Mr Flynn said he thought the UK government had "no choice" but to prepare accordingly after the WHO declared a global pandemic last year.

Since the outbreak, 360 people have died in the UK, 28 in Wales, and the UK government now has to try sell or give away unwanted vaccines.

Forgoing the usual procedure, people were able to get Tamiflu without going to their doctors in a bid to stop the potential spread of the virus.

GlaxoSmithKline said it supported the government in managing the pandemic, including discussions about existing orders for vaccines.

A spokeswoman added: "Allegations of undue influence are misguided and unfounded. The WHO declared that H1N1 swine flu met the criteria for a pandemic.

"Responding to it has required unprecedented collaboration. As WHO have stated, legal regulations and numerous safeguards are in place to manage possible conflicts of interest."