The main points from prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 24 October, from 1200 BST:
The main points from prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 24 October, from 1200 BST:
Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered his condolences to the family and friends of the three people who drowned off the coast of the Algarve, Portugal.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered his condolences to the family and friends of the three people who drowned off the coast of the Algarve, Portugal.
In response to a question from Labour MP George Howarth Mr Brown defended targets in the NHS.
In response to a question from Labour MP George Howarth Mr Brown defended targets in the NHS.
Conservative leader David Cameron asked why the government was planning to "confiscate" surplus cash from schools that have performed well.
Conservative leader David Cameron asked why the government was planning to "confiscate" surplus cash from schools that have performed well.
Mr Brown said the government was considering how best to spend the £1.7bn to improve education for all pupils. The result of a consultation would be published in the next week he said.
Mr Brown said the government was considering how best to spend the £1.7bn to improve education for all pupils. The result of a consultation would be published in the next week he said.
Mr Cameron called on the government to allow the schools to keep their surpluses, and give up his "mania for state control" and trust head teachers.
Mr Cameron called on the government to allow the schools to keep their surpluses, give up his "mania for state control" and trust head teachers.
Mr Brown said the schools only had surpluses because of special payments made to them.
Mr Brown said the schools only had surpluses because of special payments made to them.
Acting Lib Dem leader Vince Cable accused the government of preparing to abandon its commitment to its 20% renewable energy target, asking if it meant "Brown is less green than Blair".
Mr Brown said the EU was publishing "what they believe each country can do" and there would be a consultation on the way ahead.
He said the Tories and the Lib Dems would face difficult decisions over the Severn barrage, and onshore and offshore wind farms, which he said they had been opposed to.
On Iran, Mr Brown said he ruled nothing out but believed the diplomatic route and sanctions were having an effect and should be stepped up.
Turning to a report on the Scottish elections, David Cameron called for an apology over the conduct of Labour ministers.
Mr Brown said the Gould Report into the confusion caused by the ballot papers in May, does not blame individuals or parties.
Mr Cameron said the report says ministers put partisan political interests before the voters' interests. He asked how International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander could lecture other countries about electoral "probity" given his own track record at the Scottish elections.
Mr Brown said Mr Cameron was "misleading people" about the conclusions of the report.
This sparked a rebuke from Speaker Michael Martin who called for "temperate language from the prime minister". MPs are not allowed accuse other members of lying in the House of Commons.
