The much-awaited discussion on the India-United States nuclear deal will be held in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as the government made it clear that the debate could not be taken as reflecting the 'sense of the House'.

"Sense of the House cannot be obtained in a short duration discussion. You cannot reach a conclusion on a debate which has not been voted upon," Parliamentary affairs minister P R Dasmunsi said.

With the House taking up the ticklish issue for discussion under a rule which does not entail voting, government managers said the short duration discussion is known as 'talk out motion'.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] is expected to intervene in the discussion which will be replied by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Coverage: The Indo-US Nuclear Tango

A host of Union Ministers including Lalu Prasad of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, T R Baalu of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Kapil Sibal of the Congress have been lined up to speak on the issue which could see the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and key outside supporters the Left parties attacking the government.

Also, a number of young Congress MPs including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot are expected to participate in the discussion which would be a day-long affair.

Dasmunsi said a discussion on the issue in the Rajya Sabha was only possible next week.