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.
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 Brown said the schools only had surpluses because of special payments made to them.
