ePolitix.com reports on the exchanges during this week's session of questions to the prime minister.
Dr Howard Stoate (Lab, Dartford) said that the public is angry about MPs' expenses given their own financial difficulties. He called for skills and job investment to help people in the recession.
We must prove ourselves worthy of the publics trust, Gordon Brown replied. He agreed that there should be a transparent system that is "seen by the country as wholly fair". And he said that the government had a "duty" to do everything it can to help the unemployed.
Roger Berry (Lab, Kingswood) asked for assurance that the government would continue to represent the views of Carers UK, Age Concern and disability charities as part of the Equality Bill.
"Discrimination on the grounds of age or being a carer is simply not acceptable in a modern society," the prime minister replied.
Dari Taylor (Lab, Stockton South) expressed concern over the potential closure of a Corus plant on Teesside. She called for the plant to remain a "significant" part of employment in the area.
The prime minister pledged to work to ease contractual issues to help the plant. He explained that the contract was entered into by Corus and intended to run until 2015. But the government would offer help to anyone who loses a job, Brown added.
Roger Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon and Radnorshire) highlighted a recent report by the Housing Federation which said young people will leave the countryside because of a lack of affordable housing. The current government "never really understood" rural problems, he argued.
Brown replied that the government was "determined" to help young people get housing and to promote jobs in rural areas. But he added that some decisions were up to local planning authorities.
Helen Southworth (Lab, Warrington South) told the Commons that 100,000 children go missing every year. She asked the prime minister to meet leading children's charities to discuss the issue.
The government is working with local authorities to ensure the best care for vulnerable children, Brown replied. The home affairs committee will on Thursday publish a report that addresses some of these concerns, he added.
Angela Browning (Con, Tiverton and Honiton) asked for the prime minister's opinion on the ombudsman's second report on Equitable Life.
"We are looking very carefully at that report," Brown told the House. Cases are also being examined by an independent judge, he said, and the government would report back after the process is complete.
Dennis Skinner (Lab, Bolsover) welcomed the latest increase in the national minimum wage after “all the gloom” this week. He also said that there were signs of economic recovery, highlighting a recent report from the OECD.
The prime ministers said the minimum wage should be kept and supported, and detailed how it had been taken forward under 10 years of a Labour government.
Tom Brake (Lib Dem, Carshalton and Wallington) expressed his concern about the situation in Sri Lanka, and asked what the prime minister will be doing in the next 48 hours to help.
Brown called for the "utmost restraint" in the country and said that civilian casualties should be avoided. He added that the United Nations should also have full access to civilians and said there was a "devastating humanitarian impact on large numbers of people".
Liz Blackman (Lab, Erewash) backed the work of credit unions and urged government support.
The prime minister said the government was providing support for credit funds and praised the work they do in communities around the country. He added that legislative changes would be made if needed to support the work of the bodies.
Robert Key (Con, Salisbury) asked about progress on "long anticipated" support for development at Stonehenge.
Brown said he could now confirm that there was agreement on an affordable solution for a visitors' centre. And the prime minister said Stonehenge will also make gains from the closure of the A344 near the site. "We are determined to help the development of one of the great sites in the world," he added.
Dr Tony Wright (Lab, Cannock Chase) also raised the issue of MPs' expenses, saying that the House and party leaders should accept whatever the Committee on Standards in Public Life suggests.
The prime minister said he was looking for a "good report" that would command support. “I hope that we can support it,” he added.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd