Staff shortages have led to food only being served at peak periods on the new fast ferries.

The Little Venice/MEF group management have found it difficult to replace student labour used during the summer for their concession.

Little Venice group training director Dale Butler said it was difficult to find locals who wanted to work the hours required while Government was reluctant to allow foreign labour to be used.

He said: "We have met with Government and explained our difficulties. One option is if local staff fail to show could we use contract workers.

"The response was `we will review that but the chances are no'."

Mr. Butler added: "We will try again but if we are unable to do that we will review the matter. It's extremely frustrating for us.

"We are trying our best to provide the service the public want. We know we are under observation."

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said food services were operating during commuter times on two early morning and two late afternoon trips from Hamilton to Rockaway.

He said a decision to revisit a full concession service would be assessed in the near future.