The flow of illegal migrants in the Mediterranean has dropped by 40 per cent since the start of the patrols by EU border agency Frontex, according to Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini.

However, figures given by Frontex director Ilkka Laitinen indicate that the border agency is like a net with a gaping hole, as the illegal migrants intercepted so far decided to continue with their journey to Europe.

Four boats with a total of 99 immigrants on board were stopped by Frontex vessels since the start of the operation on June 25, but three of the boats decided to venture to Malta and another to Lampedusa, Mr Laitinen told The Times.

Nevertheless, both EU officials agreed that the Frontex mission was doing its utmost to stem illegal migration, despite the evident reluctance of some member states to chip in to the mission.

Journalists were bundled onto an AFM boat along with Mr Frattini yesterday morning to watch a demonstration of the EU's border agency off Malta's coast.

Standing on board the vessel in choppy seas, whipped up by force five winds, Mr Frattini watched a display of two AFM boats and a Greek one, together with a German helicopter. The trip was, however, cut short as the waves threatened to throw the boat's occupants overboard.

Despite the initial criticism, Mr Frattini is determined to build up the Frontex operation, even announcing yesterday that the patrols will become permanent in the Mediterranean from January.

He insisted that the operation was dissuading human trafficking, so much so that he was informed that the market price to make the trip had gone down from $1,000 to $250 since the week prior to the so-called Nautilus II mission.

"The traffickers watch Italian and Maltese TV and they knew about the start of Frontex operations in the Mediterranean," the commissioner told reporters.

In fact, it was noted that most of the migrants' boats were this year painted dark blue or dark grey to detract attention.

The Frontex patrols are based in the strait between Sicily and Libya, though the North African country has refused to take part in the operation.

The Italians are providing air cover with a solitary aircraft and Spain is expected to provide some resources in the coming days.

Mr Frattini did not mince words and reminded home affairs ministers from 19 member states that they had committed to contribute a total of 115 boats, 25 helicopters and 25 aircraft for patrol missions.

The commissioner, however, refused to single out any particular culprit and instead poured praise on the Maltese forces.

Asked by The Times whether he stood by critical comments levelled at Malta last May in the aftermath of the notorious tuna pen incident, when migrants were forced to cling on to the pen for three days, he replied vaguely:

"It's impossible for Malta to patrol the region alone. While it's absolutely necessary to save human life, I have to acknowledge that Malta still deserves our help. From May until now, the situation is changing. My idea is to help Malta, not to blame it."

Admitting he was disappointed with Italy's lack of enthusiasm to contribute fully to the Frontex mission, Mr Frattini said he intended to exert more pressure on the Italian government.

Mr Frattini said he had tapped additional funding to the tune of €7 million to assist in speedy joint repatriation schemes, available from the end of this month.

The EU is also preparing rapid reaction intervention teams, which will be put at the disposal of member states from the beginning of August.

He intends to explore the possibility of improving resettlement policies, especially under the Portuguese EU presidency, which has put immigration on the top of its agenda.

Libya, he said, was a key partner and despite barring Frontex patrols from its waters, the EU was prepared to provide assistance to help the North African country repatriate illegal migrants.

"The EU cannot impose anything on Libya when it's not even a signatory to the Euro-Med strategy... I'm multiplying my efforts, but we're alone," he admitted.

During the day, Mr Frattini held meetings with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg and Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo.