ePolitix.com reports on the exchanges during this week's session of questions to the prime minister.
Mike Weir (SNP, Angus) asked the prime minister when he will accept that he has "lost all authority and call an election".
But Gordon Brown replied that there is "work to be done everyday to deal with the recession". People need a government that is "taking action everyday", the prime minister argued.
Howard Stoate (Lab, Dartford) called for more investment in solar power on an international basis. He noted that 170 MPs have signed an early day motion calling for a focus on concentrated solar power.
"This is a serious issue that needs European co-operation to make it happen," Brown told the House.
Andrew Miller (Lab, Ellesmere Port and Neston) argued for further investment in the motor industry, and criticised Liberal Democrat policy. He expressed concern about the future of Vauxhall, calling on the government to continue its "high level of support".
Brown suggested that "this is what the people of the country are concerned about". He confirmed that the government was working with General Motors as well as with potential buyers to save Vauxhall jobs. He also noted that 35,000 people have bought cars as a result of the government's car scrappage scheme. "We are doing whatever we can to move the car industry forward," Brown said.
Andy Slaughter (Lab, Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush) asked the prime minister to condemn his local Conservatives for their stance on affordable homes. He also called for more investment in affordable homes.
Brown replied that the Tories are "cutting decent homes" and pledged continued investment.
Sir Peter Tapsell (Con, Louth and Horncastle) accused the prime minister of being "uniquely unsuited to play the role of a latter day Thomas Jefferson" on constitutional reform. He argued that expenses reform should await the report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life. But he said that Brown should use the "traditional constitution" and dissolve Parliament to call an election.
Brown expressed his gratitude to Sir Peter "for his 300 year perspective on these issues". But he said that self-regulation should be ended, and that an external regulator would help all MPs as well as restoring public trust.
Joan Ryan (Lab, Enfield North) backed the Royal British Legion's campaign to re-brand council tax benefits as a rebate. She suggested that now would be "an appropriate time" to announce such a change to help veterans live in dignity.
The prime minister paid tribute to those who made sacrifices in World War Two. He confirmed that the Royal British Legion would meet with the pensions minister this afternoon to discuss using pension credit in a different form. He hoped for agreement on "how we can move this forward" and called for all-party support for any improvements.
Paul Rowen (Lib Dem, Rochdale) argued that while up to 50,000 homeowners face repossession, only two have been helped so far by a government scheme.
Brown stated that Rowen was "not correct" and that "thousands" of people have been helped by mortgage schemes. "I think that you will find that no government has done more to prevent repossessions," the prime minister added. "We will not walk by on the other side."
Louise Ellman (Lab, Liverpool Riverside) asked for a pardon for the "gross miscarriage of justice" done to Michael Shields, who was convicted for an attack on a Bulgarian waiter in 2005.
The prime minister confirmed the justice secretary would aim to make the best decision he can, in the public interest. The decision is expected later this month, he added.
John Mason (SNP, Glasgow East) said Great Britain was now more unequal than at any time since the 1960s. He asked Brown whether he was "embarrassed" about figures showing the richest 20 per cent have gained while the poor have got poorer.
Brown denied this, stating: "We have taken millions out of poverty." The policies of the SNP would leave Britain in a far worse position, the prime minister argued.
Nick Palmer (Lab, Broxtowe) called for action to tackle MPs who have other sources of income. He welcomed action on the abuse of expenses but added that all MPs should "concentrate on the job which we were elected to do".
Brown replied that the issue was of public concern. The Committee on Standards in Public Life and Sir Christopher Kelly would "look at this matter", he confirmed.
Henry Bellingham (Con, North West Norfolk) asked the prime minister to meet pensioners lobbying on occupational pensions. The private pensions system had been "destroyed" by the government, he said.
Brown said pension funds had doubled over his 10 years in the Treasury, but cautioned that the precise value depends on the performance of the Stock Exchange.
Mark Lazarowicz (Lab, Edinburgh North and Leith) said leaders at the forthcoming G8 summit should push for a deal on climate change in the Copenhagen talks.
The prime minister said agreement is needed on intermediate targets for CO2 cuts and on financing poorer countries so they can invest in reducing their emissions. The UK will put forward proposals at the G8, he told MPs.
Sandra Gidley (Lib Dem, Romsey) warned against development on agricultural land.
Brown said the government would seek to focus new building on brownfield land rather than in greenfield areas.
Stephen Ladyman (Lab, South Thanet) pointed to an IMF report showing that the UK has lower public debt than its main competitors.
The prime minister responded that Britain is "coming through" the recession with the right policies. The Conservatives have "no policy" on the economy, he added.
Michael Jack (Con, Fylde) said that domestic violence remains a problem and should be tackled by the next home secretary.
Brown said the government had backed tougher sentences for those found guilty of domestic violence. The government will continue to help women who are victims of such violence, he added.
Sir Stuart Bell (Lab, Middlesbrough) stressed the importance of the EU for Britain's economy.
The prime minister said business leaders feared that Conservative policy would "reduce our influence in Europe". And Brown added that David Cameron "is in real trouble" on the EU issue.
