The main points from prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 20 June:
The main points from prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 20 June:
Prime Minister Tony Blair began his penultimate question time by paying tribute to Lance Corporal James Cartwright who was killed in Iraq. He also paid tribute to Labour MP for Ealing Southall, Piara Khabra, who has died aged 82.
Prime Minister Tony Blair began his penultimate question time by paying tribute to Lance Corporal James Cartwright who was killed in Iraq. He also paid tribute to Labour MP for Ealing Southall, Piara Khabra, who has died aged 82.
He also endorsed the "tremendous contribution" of the Indian community in the UK, which has 20,000 Indian students and was the third largest investor in India. He added that he could only see these links growing.
He also endorsed the "tremendous contribution" of the Indian community in the UK, which has 20,000 Indian students and was the third largest investor in India. He added that he could only see these links growing.
Conservative leader David Cameron called it a "scandal" that some prisoners may be released early and asked when did the prime minister first know that the prison population was to go above 80,000.
Conservative leader David Cameron called it a "scandal" that some prisoners may be released early and asked when did the prime minister first know that the prison population was to go above 80,000.
Mr Blair said the prison planning was looked at on a year by year basis, and that he "regretted" some prisoners having to release some prisoners 18 days early but that it was "necessary".
Mr Blair said the prison planning was looked at on a year by year basis, and that he "regretted" some prisoners having to release some prisoners 18 days early but that it was "necessary".
He also said one of the reasons for this "temporary measure" was because almost 3,000 people were on indeterminate sentences for violent offences.
He also said one of the reasons for this "temporary measure" was because almost 3,000 people were on indeterminate sentences for violent offences.
Mr Blair also said investment in prisons had gone up and that it was important that we deal with violent offenders "most severely". He said that over 10 years of government crime had reduced and that there had been an increase in the numbers of police officers.
Mr Blair also said investment in prisons had gone up and that it was important that violent offenders are dealt with "most severely". He said that over 10 years of government crime had reduced and that there had been an increase in the numbers of police officers.
Sir Menzies Campbell asked if private equity executives to pay tax "at a lower rate than those who clean their offices".
Sir Menzies Campbell asked if private equity executives should pay tax "at a lower rate than those who clean their offices".
Mr Blair said it was a "perfectly legitimate question" and that the "real issues" which had been raised should be examined in the pre-budget report.
Mr Blair said it was a "perfectly legitimate question" and that the "real issues" which had been raised should be examined in the pre-budget report.
The prime minister was asked if his description of Chancellor Gordon Brown as a "big clunking fist" was a term of endearment or from personal experience. Mr Blair replied that the bitter experience will be felt on the other side of the house once he steps down.
The prime minister was asked if his description of Chancellor Gordon Brown as a "big clunking fist" was a term of endearment or from personal experience. Mr Blair replied that the bitter experience will be felt on the other side of the house once he steps down.
Mr Blair was also asked if there would be a formal recognition for the Bevan boys before he leaves office. He replied that there will be special commemorative badge for these heroes from World War Two, to be announced later on Wednesday.
Mr Blair was also asked if there would be a formal recognition for the Bevan boys before he leaves office. He replied that there will be special commemorative badge for these heroes from World War Two, to be announced later on Wednesday.
The house heard of recent deaths at sea and operations which have involved the maritime coastguard agency. Mr Blair was asked if he could "knock some heads together" to ensure a current industrial dispute with the agency is resolved and that the coastguards are "paid the money they deserve".
The house heard of recent deaths at sea and operations which have involved the maritime coastguard agency. Mr Blair was asked if he could "knock some heads together" to ensure a current industrial dispute with the agency is resolved and that the coastguards are "paid the money they deserve".
Mr Blair said that he regretted that the dispute was going on and that he wanted the maritime service to be returned to full strength as soon as possible.
Mr Blair said that he regretted that the dispute was going on, would look into it and that he wanted the maritime service to be returned to full strength as soon as possible.
Mr Blair was also asked about the role that Chancellor Gordon Brown played with the conflict in Iraq. Mr Blair replied that it was important that the people being fought in Iraq understand that the UK's position was that of the whole government.
A question was asked as to whether the government should curb the growth in air travel.
The prime minister replied that we need to be "somewhat careful on this" and that the best way to deal with aviation emissions is the European Union Emission Trading Scheme. He also said he did not think a domestic travel ban was "realistic".
