At the same sitting Mr. Shortt was asked by Mr.
Dillon if the Government proposed to tear up the Home Rule Act, as a " scrap of paper," under an open threat of rebellion from the minority of the Irish people. He replied that there must be control over political meetings, to prevent the preaching of sedition ; that the Government would get the arms now in 'Ulster, "with or with- out trouble" ; and that their general Irish policy was still the policy stated by the Prime Minister in March. Home Rule, though on the statute-book, was suspended during the war, and it was doubtful whether it would come automatically into force at the end of the war unless "something was done." He sorrowfully up- braided Irish members for refusing to help him. He could say nothing more about Conscription at present. It could not be enforced "before the House reassembles." Yet the Prime Minister's pledge is still binding on him. There is no sign of a revival of voluntary recruiting in Ireland.
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