A member of the public claims that the Government's fast ferries were leaking oil into Hamilton Harbour on Friday and Saturday and that Marine Police had to clean it up on both occasions.

And the man, who did not want to be named, said it was not the first time it had happened.

"I couldn't tell you how much oil, but it was a slick going on for two days and the Marine Police were there cleaning it up," he said.

"It had a strong smell of diesel fuel and it was right outside of the Marine and Ports office - their own boats aren't even in good shape."

However, Marine and Ports director Barry Coupland said that a construction site to the east of the East Broadway ferry docks in which waste oil had been dumped previously, was the more probable cause of the slick.

He said: "In the process of the contractors excavating and drilling on the site, oil has contaminated the water and the wind has caused the oil to appear in the vicinity of our ferry berths.

"The Police came to Marine and Ports last Saturday and perhaps they did clean up some oil, but not from our ferries.

"Our fast ferries do not leak oil, nor do they ever pump oil overboard.

Marine Police could not be contacted yesterday to discuss the weekend slick.

Residents on Islands in the Great Sound have also voiced complaints against the new fast ferries, claiming that their large wakes were causing problems as they passed, particularly on Marshall's Island and Grace Island.

Mr. Coupland said: "From time to time this issue arises, but our pilots strive to minimise any ill effects of wash or wake.

"All pilots have standing orders regarding speed, wake and proximity, but some wake is inevitable and the ferries are not the only ships on the water creating wake."

The caretaker at Grace's Island said he had complained about the wake. But Mr. Coupland said: "If he has, then I haven't seen a copy of any written complaint giving dates, times names etc.

"In order that we can effectively investigate matters and if substantiated, take appropriate action."