Each year, the debate on the Speech from the Throne inaugurates the new session of the Storting. In many ways, this debate has evolved into an examination and discussion of the Government's political programme, essentially the same function as the Budget debate in respect of the Government's economic policy. Numerous reports on various aspects of Government policy are presented and debated throughout the year. A Question Time is held in the Storting nearly every week, generally at 11 o'clock on Wednesday mornings, at which twenty to forty questions are normally answered. A representative is limited to two questions at any Question Time.
Questions are brief, and they generally refer to specific issues.
The questions may deal with anything at all, from minor items of business to major issues of principle. Questions often deal with matters of concern in some local district on which the media have focused attention. The questioner would like to know the Minister's views on the matter and what action the Ministry intends to take, if any. The questioners state their questions in turn, and the ministers reply immediately. After a question has been stated and the answer given, the questioner and the minister are each allowed to take the floor twice for brief remarks.