manslaughter -- and not premeditated murder -- were firmly stamped on yesterday.

Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness stressed Government never influenced legal decisions.

And the Attorney General Mr. Walter Maddocks backed him up.

"There was no political pressure put on us at all,'' he said.

The claims were made by Miss Christine Herkommer, whose sister was killed by Burgess.

The Supreme Court heard Burgess had access to women and drugs while on the programme.

At the time Mr. Milton Pringle was Prisons Commissioner, although he has since retired.

Yesterday Mr. Edness said the decision to allow Burgess on a work programme had been made by the prison authorities -- and not him.

And he stressed prison programmes had been reorganised since the tragedy.

The classification of prisoners had been altered, which meant some were no longer eligible for a programme.

Burgess, described as a dangerous psychopath, would not be able to join.

Mr. Edness firmly rebutted suggestions Government interfered with the charging of Burgess.

"Government in this Country in no way influences decisions taken by our judiciary.'' Mr. Maddocks said charging was a matter for the legislature to decide.

"It is totally untrue to say it was a political decision to reduce the charge Burgess faced.'' Mr. Maddocks said the decision had been made because of Burgess's psychopathic condition.

He said Burgess was unlikely ever to be released from prison.