The general discussion on the Budget takes place for such period as the Speaker, in consultation with the Leader of the House, may determine or on the report of Business Advisory Committee adopted by the House as the case may be. Members are then at liberty to discuss the Budget as a whole or any question of principal involved in it. The Finance Minister has a general right of reply at the end of the discussion. Other Ministers may also take part in the discussion to answer any criticism that may have been made of the departments under their charge. No motion is moved at this stage, nor is the Budget submitted to the vote of the Assembly.
The Speaker may, if he so chooses, prescribe a time limit for the speeches.
