§ 6. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will mike a statement on the research 970 undertaken by his Department's scientific experts into the language of cod while mating.
§ Mr. John HareThese investigations are part of important work being carried out to assist in the detection of different species of fish by scientific instruments. They are not yet sufficiently advanced for me to be able to satisfy the hon. Member's interest in this important subject.
§ Mr. DribergIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread interest in the romantic underwater world opened up in recent years by M. Cousteau and others? Would he care to give the House an impression of the sounds produced and, I believe, recorded during the amorous exchanges of these interesting fish?
§ Mr. HareI cannot give an accurate interpretation, but from a newspaper report I gather that the sound is rather of the nature of "grr-umph". I understand that this noise is not confined to the love-making activities of cod, but also, apparently, occurs when cod are engaged in other matters.