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0:00:08 > 0:00:11- Aberfan today - looks exactly like a bomb site.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- I can't comprehend - the extent of the damage.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- Just after nine o'clock on - the morning of 21 October 1966...
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- ..116 children - and 28 adults were killed...
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- ..when a coal spoil tip above - the village of Aberfan collapsed.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- We won't know the death toll - until late this evening.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40- People were calling for - clear answers to simple questions.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- What caused the disaster - and who was to blame?
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- It would've been better for everyone - if this spoil tip...
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- ..had remained in the colliery.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- That was the saddest thing - I've ever witnessed in my life.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- Merely a month following - the disaster, on 9 November 1966...
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- ..a tribunal was held - to uncover the truth.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- Solicitors, barristers and - journalists came in their droves...
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- ..along with many Aberfan parents.
0:01:14 > 0:01:20- Mothers, fathers and relatives came - to hear evidence and get answers...
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- ..just as the tribunal's chairman - had promised.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- The Attorney General - made his address to a crowded hall.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- There were no cameras - to record the tribunal...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- ..so, - for the first time in 50 years...
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- ..we'll hear some of the inquiry's - most poignant accounts.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- What happened in Aberfan...
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- ..was one of the biggest disasters - of the modern era.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- For 76 days...
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- ..the tribunal questioned, - challenged and scrutinized.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- It presented its findings - within months.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- But no-one here felt as though - the full truth had been exposed...
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- ..prompting - a lengthy and bitter campaign.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07- A battle for justice.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- Workmen on the mountain - above Aberfan...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..were the first to realize - that a disaster was about to happen.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- They witnessed tip number seven, - which was 100 feet tall...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- ..rise a little...
0:02:38 > 0:02:43- ..and then collapse suddenly with - force, causing it to slide downhill.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- In their panic, the workers - ran downhill to alert the locals...
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- ..but it was too late.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- Within minutes, - 144 people were killed...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- ..116 of whom were children.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- Some of the men who were with us - ran downhill...
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- ..not knowing where they were going.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Some of them reached the school...
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- ..and rescued some of the children - before the slide engulfed them.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Over the five decades that ensued...
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- ..the main focus has been the loss - of human life and the grief.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- Everybody understands that.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- But half a century later, the people - of Aberfan have every right...
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- ..to question what happened.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Could the disaster - have been averted?
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Who was primarily to blame?
0:03:46 > 0:03:52- And why has it taken so long to - uncover the truth and get justice?
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- Thousands flocked to Aberfan...
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- ..though the absence of one person - was significant.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- The chairman of the National Coal - Board, Alf Robens, Lord Robens.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- He was responsible - for the coal industry...
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- ..a public body - responsible for the tips...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- ..where debris from the colliery - was deposited.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- While hundreds of colliers - flocked to Aberfan to help...
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- ..Alf Robens was too busy.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- He was in Guildford...
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- ..for his investiture - as Chancellor of Surrey University.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- I am not an engineer, I can't - take charge of rescue operations...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- ..so I despatched - the best man in my industry...
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- ..that is - the chief mining engineer...
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- ..to ensure everything is done - in a physical way to rescue people.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- It took the best part of two days...
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- ..for the chairman - to visit the village.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- When Lord Robens - arrived in Aberfan...
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- ..the rescue effort - turned into a quest to find remains.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- Robens was busy giving interviews - to the press and media.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- He was asked one simple question.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- Was it possible to have known...
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- ..that the tip - was dangerous before the tragedy?
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- He said, - "It was impossible to know...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- "..that there was a spring - in the heart of this tip...
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- "..turning the mountain to slush."
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- That's the answer he gave to many.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- There has been - an underground spring...
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- ..which has now been uncovered.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- We have our normal procedures - for ensuring that pits are safe...
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- ..but we have no procedure...
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- ..that tells us - there's a spring under a mountain.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Robens' claim that there was - a hidden natural spring...
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- ..had shocked villagers...
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- ..since many had drawn attention - to the dangers in the past.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Warnings had already been issued...
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- ..and we've often been plagued...
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- ..by landslides and floods...
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- ..especially in winter.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- It's important - to establish one thing right away.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- Many claimed - the disaster was unforeseeable.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- That there had been no signs.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- Let's be polite. That's a lie.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- Here's one example from a long list.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- In January 1965, - two Pantglas mothers...
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- ..presented a petition - to the school's headmistress.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Why?
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- They were - fed up of floods in this area.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Each day they brought - their children along this road...
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- ..and walked up to the school - behind the centre.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- Debris would regularly fall from - the mountain and block the drains.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- The road was waterlogged.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- The mothers could tell there - was a problem but nobody listened.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- The photo of Anne Jennings accepting - the petition from local parents...
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- ..highlighted the concern...
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- ..that spoil debris - was sliding from these tips.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Seeing her in the photograph...
0:07:11 > 0:07:16- ..emphasises the fact that she was - responsible for the children...
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- ..and that she had concerns - about the situation...
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- ..before the disaster happened.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- What happened to that petition?
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- It was submitted to the council - and that was the end of the matter.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- Regarding the two mothers...
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..they lost children - in the disaster.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- The headmistress lost her life too.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- In many ways, - the photograph of the three women...
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- ..is a powerful symbol - of missed opportunities in Aberfan.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- Another opportunity - was missed in January 1964.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Local councillor Gwyneth Thomas - warned that if the tip slid...
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- ..the school would be at risk.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Another warning that was ignored.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Gradually it emerged...
0:08:04 > 0:08:10- ..that the warnings by residents and - the local council had been ignored.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- As a result, the Labour government - took a positive stand.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- The weekend after the tragedy, - the government announced...
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- ..there would be - an official inquiry.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Choosing the chairman of the inquiry - would be vital...
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- ..to the inquiry's credibility.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- People here were concerned that - the truth wouldn't be uncovered.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- The choice of chairman - had interesting qualifications.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- An experienced judge...
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- ..a Welshman with good knowledge - of the local area.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- I should hate to think - that anybody...
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- ..would connect me - with any whitewashing exercise.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- I should decline to have - anything to do with an inquiry...
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- ..which was motivated - by considerations of whitewashing.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- You have to come over the mountain - to this school in Mountain Ash...
0:09:02 > 0:09:08- ..in order to sense - this man's strength of character.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Edmund Davies.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- This was the sculpture, unveiled - by himself, during the inquiry.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Yes, he was - a prominent judge in his day.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- He was famous for sentencing - the Great Train Robbers...
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- ..but more importantly, - he was a man of the Valleys.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- He knew these communities - better than anyone.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- Because of that, he was the - perfect choice to chair the inquiry.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- The official inquiry - had a Welsh feel...
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- ..and that was purely intentional.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Tasker Watkins, a former soldier and - recipient of the Victoria Cross...
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- ..was the counsel.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- It was his job to present - the evidence and question witnesses.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- Other Welsh barristers - were involved...
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- ..but the families - took a radical decision.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- They were keen - to appoint someone from outside.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Someone with no connection - to the coal board.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10- Englishman Desmond Ackner was one - of the era's brightest barristers.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- The inquiry was held - at Merthyr technical college...
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- ..rather than Aberfan.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- The building - has changed a lot since then.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Surprisingly, the inquiry began only - a month after the disaster happened.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- In those early days, - there was intense media coverage.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- There's little wonder since Aberfan - became known throughout the world.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43- At 10.15am this morning, - the Aberfan Tribunal convened.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- It will continue for six weeks.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- On the first day of the tribunal, - frightening evidence was presented.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- Water on the mountain - had been marked on maps...
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- ..and clear warnings - had been ignored.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- It appeared as though - the case was straightforward.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- But when barrister Philip Wien - stood up to represent the NCB...
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- ..it became clear early on that - things would be more complicated.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- The board's view - is that the disaster was due to...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..a coincidence of - a set of geological factors...
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- ..each of which in itself - is not exceptional...
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- ..but which collectively created - a critical geological environment.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- The prime cause of the disaster - is therefore...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- ..geological.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- The NCB's main message was that - it wasn't culpable for the disaster.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- They claimed it was - a combination of geological factors.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- This provided the basis for one - of the tribunal's biggest battles.
0:11:46 > 0:11:46- .
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0:11:51 > 0:11:56- At the beginning of the inquiry, - the coal board claimed...
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- ..that the Aberfan disaster - was unforeseeable.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- The were special circumstances, - and Aberfan's geology and so on.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- A theory supported by the London - press, including The Sunday Times.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- But within minutes, - Desmond Ackner...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- ..the barrister representing - the Aberfan families...
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- ..disregarded the notion.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- He believed the NCB was to blame. - It had been unforgivably negligent.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- Hearing about its negligence caused - added heartache for the families.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- Feelings which must've been - heightened at the hearing...
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- ..of the folly and neglect...
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- ..which appear to be - the irresistible inferences...
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- ..to be drawn from the facts.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Early in the inquiry, evidence - was given by eyewitnesses...
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- ..describing - what had happened on the day.
0:12:50 > 0:12:56- Some of the men who'd worked on tip - No.7 years before the disaster...
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- ..were questioned afterwards.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Leslie Davies - was questioned by Tasker Watkins...
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- ..the tribunal's barrister.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- Did you notice a spring upon - the land over which the tip spread?
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Yes, sir.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- Had anybody ever warned you that it - was dangerous to tip over a spring?
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- Nobody ever warned me, sir. - My own experience.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- I knew it was dangerous - to tip over any water.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- I must ask you why you went on - tipping over streams and a spring.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- That had nothing at all - to do with me, sir.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- I just take orders. - I'm not an official of the colliery.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- From the outset, the presence of - water under the tip was made clear.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- On Merthyr Mountain today, - there's little evidence...
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- ..of what existed here - 50 years ago...
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- ..apart from this unusual terrain - where they removed the tips.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- It was dangerous - to be up here in the '60s.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- A mere three years - before the '66 disaster...
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- ..another tip - collapsed above Aberfan.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- It didn't reach the village...
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- ..but Ackner was keen - to hear the response back then.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- Did anyone tell you you should - stop tipping after the 1963 slide?
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- No, sir.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- You continued - to carry out your daily work...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- ..of tipping - on the top of tip No.7?
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- Filling up the hole - which had emptied itself out?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- Yes, sir.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Has the tip slipped before?
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- Yes, it came down to the canal banks - behind the school.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36- When was this?
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- When was this?- - A couple of years ago.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- You think it's been dangerous - for many years?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- I'd say it's still dangerous.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Two days later, after more shocking - evidence from the tip workers...
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- ..about the presence of a stream - on the mountain...
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- ..Chairman Edmund Davies - made a definite statement.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- The coal board - was contradicting its staff.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- It acknowledged the presence of - water but claimed it wasn't visible.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Edmund Davies was determined...
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- ..to get the coal board - to acknowledge basic facts.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- Was it possible for his workers - to see water on tip No.7...
0:15:16 > 0:15:17- ..when the tip was erected?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- ..when the tip was erected?- - I'm going to get this clear...
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- ..before this tribunal continues.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Philip Wien's answer - highlighted the board's attitude.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- It wasn't their place - to acknowledge any facts...
0:15:31 > 0:15:32- ..and they weren't ready to yield.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- ..and they weren't ready to yield.- - It is not my position...
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- ..for the coal board to concede - anything before a tribunal...
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- ..inquiring into these matters.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- As the first phase of the tribunal - ended before Christmas...
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- ..it appeared that the NCB - intended to refute any suggestion...
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- ..that the disaster was foreseeable.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- However, there was clear evidence - that warnings had been ignored.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- The South Wales Valleys were very - aware of the dangers of the tips...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- ..regardless - of what the NCB was saying.
0:16:08 > 0:16:14- The biggest warning came - right here in Aberfan in 1944...
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- ..when tip No.4 slid downhill - and almost reached the village.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- It took the same path - as tip No.7's collapse in 1966.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- Consider this.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- The people - responsible for the tips' safety...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- ..were in an office - the other side of the valley.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- They had - a perfect view of the mountain.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- They could - see the damage from 1944 onwards.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- They had no excuse - to say nobody was aware.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49- One of those men was Vivian Thomas, - a colliery engineer at Merthyr Vale.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- He was responsible - for the condition of the tips.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- When he appeared - before the tribunal...
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- ..he was asked - if a stream was visible...
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- ..before tip No.7 was built.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- Was that water in the way - of anything proposed to tip on No.7?
0:17:06 > 0:17:07- No, sir.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- No, sir.- - How can you answer that question?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Earlier you told us - there had been no decision...
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- ..as to how far - the tipping of tip No.7 was to go.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- As far as I was concerned, - tip 7 could go to the boundary.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Suppose it went to the boundary...
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- ..are you saying - it would go over none of the water?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- No, I don't think so, sir.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37- The man responsible for the tips - denied there was water visible.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42- However, earlier evidence claimed - the tip had been erected...
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- ..on top of a spring.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- The tribunal had to decide - who was telling the truth.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- This is where - Vivian Thomas' office was situated.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- This is the former site - of Merthyr Vale colliery.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- They had a system whereby the coal - debris was transported in trams...
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- ..across the river - up to the summit of the mountain.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- The coal tips - cast a huge shadow over the valley.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- For those - who worked at this coalmine...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ..the tips - were far enough away from them.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- The coal board's regional managers - were just as disconnected.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- They hadn't given Vivian Thomas - any advice on managing the tips.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- Desmond Ackner was keen to show how - negligent the managers had been...
0:18:34 > 0:18:39- ..placing all the responsibility on - someone with no relevant experience.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- If you'd seen any irregularity...
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- ..would you - have reported it to somebody?
0:18:44 > 0:18:45- I would've done.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- I would've done.- - Because you had no training...
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- ..to draw any conclusion - from any irregularity you saw.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52- Yes, sir.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- By the time - Vivian Thomas finished...
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- ..it was clear that no-one - had given him help or advice...
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- ..and that nothing had changed - after the previous accidents.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- There came another warning - only six miles away from Aberfan.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- At one time there were coal tips - everywhere in the Valleys.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- In December 1939...
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- ..this tip slid downhill - to the fringes of Cilfynydd...
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- ..creating an almighty mess.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- It's hard to believe - that no-one was killed back then.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- 180,000 tonnes of waste...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- ..came gushing down the mountain.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- A huge mess on an industrial scale.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- When they saw what had happened, - the colliery owners were startled.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Collieries - were privatised back then.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- They decided to draft - new guidelines for tipping safely.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- These guidelines were put in a memo - called the Powell Memo.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- When the National Coal Board - was formed in 1947...
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- ..the memo was transferred to them.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- The memo clearly stated - not to tip on top of water...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- ..the dangers of tipping - on steep slopes...
0:20:06 > 0:20:12- ..and even height restrictions - for tips on sites such as Aberfan.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- The Powell Memo suddenly - became the focus of the tribunal.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- One of the coal board's witnesses, - David Lewis Roberts...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- ..knew about the Powell Memo.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- He was responsible for the tips - of Aberfan and other collieries.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- He saw the outcome of the slide - in Cilfynydd.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- From that time onwards, - Mr Roberts...
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- ..you needed no instruction in - the effect of a colliery tip slide.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- No, sir.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- As well as Cilfynydd...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- ..Roberts knew - of a more recent slide too.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- We've travelled - a few miles from Cilfynydd...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..heading towards the Rhondda.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- This is one of - the last wheels in South Wales.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- This is Ty Mawr colliery, - and it was here on 29 March 1965...
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- ..that another incident happened, 18 - months before the Aberfan tragedy.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- A load of waste - fell from the top of the tip...
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- ..causing damage to the railway, - the main road and the riverbanks.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- If it had happened at any other time - people would've lost their lives.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- There was also a possibility - of the waste falling into the shaft.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- The regional engineer decided - that it was time to take action.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- He remembered - about the memo that was written...
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- ..after the incident at Cilfynydd.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- He sought the Powell Memo.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- What happened to that document?
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- It was delivered to - all the chief engineers in the area.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- It was an order - for them to work together...
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- ..to scrutinize the condition - of the coal tips and report back.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- In Aberfan, - it was David Lewis Roberts' duty...
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- ..and that of Robert Exley, - a civil engineer.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16- The truth is that these two men - refused to adhere to the order.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- Roberts gave a very superficial - report and Exley submitted nothing.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- It has to be said that - the responses of these two men...
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- ..had been wholly insufficient.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33- Tasker Watkins asked Lewis - how he responded to the Powell Memo.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- He was ordered - to work with Robert Exley...
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- ..in order to draft a report.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- The tribunal didn't understand - why Roberts ignored the order...
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- ..and wrote a feeble report himself.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- You and Mr Exley - were on quite good terms, were you?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Reasonably good terms, I'd say.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Why do you qualify it in that way?
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- Why do you qualify it in that way?- - We would talk together...
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- ..but we'd fall out quite a lot - on various jobs.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07- There were strained relations - between you and Mr Exley?
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- I wouldn't like to - emphasise too much on that...
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- ..but I would say yes, my lord.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- OK, thank you.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- The relationship between both men - had broken down...
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- ..which resulted - in an inadequate response.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Dangers at Aberfan - hadn't been reported.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31- There's another dimension to David - Roberts' role in Aberfan's story.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- To learn more about that - you must come here...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- ..to Dowlais public library - on the outskirts of Merthyr.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- This is a collection of letters - sent to the tribunal.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- The title says it all.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- Danger from Coal Slurry being tipped - at the rear of the Pantglas Schools.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Officials at Merthyr Council...
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- ..regularly complained - about the condition of coal tips.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03- David Roberts was responsible, he - acted on behalf of the coal board.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- It's obvious - he didn't take his role seriously.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- Listen to this sentence - from Merthyr's chief engineer...
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- ..back in August 1963.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- "You are no doubt well aware - that the tips at Merthyr Vale...
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- "..tower above the Pantglas area, - and if they were to move...
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- "..a very serious position - would accrue."
0:24:25 > 0:24:31- David Roberts' response was, "Don't - worry, everything's under control."
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- A day after Roberts gave evidence...
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- ..his co-worker, civil engineer - Robert Exley, was questioned.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- While Roberts - drafted a feeble report...
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- ..Exley submitted nothing at all.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49- What would've happened - if he'd followed his instruction?
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- If you'd carried out - a detailed examination...
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- ..you would've established - that the precautions were lacking.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58- Probably, yes.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00- Probably, yes.- - Certainly, Mr Exley.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Bear in mind - the length of your qualifications...
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- ..and the extent - of your expertise...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- ..with certainty, would you not?
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- Yes, I think so, - with some investigation.
0:25:13 > 0:25:14- This was important.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- Exley admitted - that if he'd examined tip No.7...
0:25:18 > 0:25:23- ..as the Powell Memo had instructed, - he would've had to condemn the tip.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25- And so, in 1965...
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- ..if local experts - had heeded their instruction...
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- ..the dangers at Aberfan - would've been exposed.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37- The NCB's argument that the disaster - had been unforeseeable...
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- ..was starting to unravel.
0:25:41 > 0:25:41- .
0:25:43 > 0:25:43- Subtitles
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- Throughout the inquiry, the - coal board's solicitors argued...
0:25:53 > 0:25:57- ..that no-one could've predicted - the disaster and prevented it.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02- When William Sheppard, an NCB - senior official, gave evidence...
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- ..the legal arguments - were weakening.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09- Sheppard even denied - that the headquarters in London...
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- ..knew nothing of - historical incidents in South Wales.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- There was surely sufficient known - about the potential for tips...
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- ..on inclined surfaces to slide...
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- ..was there not?
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- ..was there not?- - Not as far as I'm concerned.
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- Throughout the inquiry, Desmond - Ackner reminded the tribunal...
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- ..about Lord Robens' odd statement - at the outset...
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- ..about an unknown spring - under tip No.7.
0:26:41 > 0:26:47- Not a single NCB official could - support or explain that statement.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- In his final summation - to the tribunal...
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- ..Ackner had criticized Robens - to such an extent...
0:26:54 > 0:26:59- ..that the NCB Chairman decided to - appear in order to defend himself.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- He was questioned - about his original statement...
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- ..in which he said it was impossible - to have known about the spring.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- After several hours, - Robens made an important statement.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16- When did you first learn that the - causes were reasonably foreseeable?
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- When I was on the mountainside - and I saw the work being done...
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- ..to turn that water - away from the tip and to channel it.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- Had there been experts about...
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- ..to recognize that on a - mountainside, where there's water...
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- ..this could be said - to have been foreseeable.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- Lord Robens' appearance...
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- ..before the tribunal - had therefore changed everything.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- If he and the NCB - had acknowledged on the first day...
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- ..what they acknowledged - on the 70th day...
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- ..they could've avoided - most of the tribunal's work.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- They agreed - that the disaster was foreseeable.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- They agreed they didn't have - a proper policy for the tips...
0:28:04 > 0:28:09- ..and they admitted there was - nothing special about the geology.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- In private, - the coal board's solicitors...
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- ..had been - rejecting demands for compensation.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- But following Lord Robens' - appearance before the tribunal...
0:28:20 > 0:28:22- ..everything changed.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- The board agreed to pay Aberfan - parents the minimum legal fee...
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- ..equating to 500 - for each child who was killed.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- Later, on day 70 of the inquiry...
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- ..Desmond Ackner - delivered his closing statement...
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- ..on behalf of the families.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- It was a powerful combination - of emotion and profundity.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47- Those who died in this disaster...
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- ..lost their lives not because - of the occupational hazards...
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- ..which are ever present - in these mining valleys.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- There was no sudden collapse - of an underground working...
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- ..no unforeseen explosion.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- This was - a slow-growing, man-made menace...
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- ..fed by - the indifference of those...
0:29:10 > 0:29:14- ..who should - never have permitted its existence.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- That is the horror of this disaster.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- There can be - no more bitter reminder...
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- ..of the truth and wisdom - of Bernard Shaw's condemnation.
0:29:25 > 0:29:31- "The worst sin towards our fellows - is not to hate them...
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- "..it is to be indifferent to them.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- "For that - is the essence of inhumanity."
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- Thank you, Mr Ackner.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- This morning, in this building...
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- ..the tribunal examining - the cause of the disaster ended.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00- Hopefully now, the village of - Aberfan will have a chance to heal.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- On the third of August 1967...
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- ..this square in - the centre of Aberfan was crowded.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17- This is where the tribunal's final - report was handed out to villagers.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- For nine of the coal board's - present and former staff...
0:30:21 > 0:30:26- ..the tribunal's findings - were very challenging.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31- This was the jubilant moment - for Aberfan's residents.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- Justice at last, the truth exposed.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- Those responsible - were publicly named.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42- Criticism of the NCB was scathing - throughout the tribunal.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- The NCB - was responsible for the disaster.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- There was - a total absence of tipping policy.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- Nine individuals - were criticized too...
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- ..amongst them - were important witnesses...
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- ..such as Vivian Thomas, - Robert Exley...
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- ..and David Roberts.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07- However, none of the coal board's - senior officials were named.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12- You might be wondering what happened - to the nine men who were named?
0:31:12 > 0:31:18- Very little, in fact. None were - reprimanded and none were sacked.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20- They should be - instantly dismissed.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- They shouldn't be allowed - to work for the coal board...
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- ..under any circumstances - at any job.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- I think it was - absolute neglect throughout.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- And if it wasn't for neglect...
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- ..I would have - my little girl with me today.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43- There was another important - question. What about Lord Robens?
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- The NCB was culpable.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- Would he tender his resignation?
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- Lord Robens shouldn't resign, - he should be sacked.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- Surely he knew - all about these tips...
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- ..and what was - going on with the collieries?
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- Other than that he was accepting - money under false pretences.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- Robens insisted on seeing a copy - of the report beforehand.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- He visited the coalfields, promising - to safeguard the industry...
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- ..at a time when nuclear energy - was becoming more popular.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20- He received hundreds of letters - of support, even from miners.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- You must've had - a number of offers from industry.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- Yes, that's perfectly true.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- There's no difficulty - about getting another job...
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- ..at three times the money - they pay me at the coal board...
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- ..but money isn't important.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Then he travelled - to the United States...
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- ..to make sure - no-one could get hold of him.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- He tendered - his letter of resignation...
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- ..but it wasn't taken seriously.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53- He was a powerful man with friends - in the press, the government...
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- ..and in the miners' union too.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- He kept his job - and when his contract ended...
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- ..what happened next - still beggars belief.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- After chairing the NCB...
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- ..the board - responsible for 144 deaths here...
0:33:11 > 0:33:16- ..he went on to lead a study into - health and safety in the workplace.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- Yes, he really did.
0:33:20 > 0:33:20- .
0:33:24 > 0:33:24- Subtitles
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:33:30 > 0:33:35- The period following Edmund Davies' - report into the Aberfan disaster...
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- ..was complicated.
0:33:38 > 0:33:44- No legal action was taken by Aberfan - residents or the authorities.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- Lord Robens continued in his job...
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- ..but one thing still concerned - the people of Aberfan.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- The report dealt with many issues - but it's hard to believe...
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- ..that it didn't deal with the main - thing that concerned local people.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- The future of the coal tips.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- There was no plan in place - to deal with those.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- Therefore, - a group of ministers decided...
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- ..they should - formulate their own strategy.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- This is where they'd meet - - at Ty Toronto...
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- ..which was originally - a small caravan...
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- ..donated by - the Welsh Churches of Canada.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- But this is where they'd meet, - led by Erastus Jones.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- They made a clear decision.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- There was no way - for local people to move on...
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- ..if the coal tips still existed.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- We held - the first of our conferences.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- It was called The Way Forward.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52- In order to move on, it was vital - that the tips were removed.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- They still slid from time to time...
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- ..when there was a lot of rainfall.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- People couldn't sleep at night - when it was raining.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- Emotionally and psychologically, - the tips needed to be removed.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- We were dealing not just - with bereaved individuals...
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- ..not just bereaved families - but a bereaved community.
0:35:17 > 0:35:23- I think those meetings gave people - strength and determination.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Those meetings brought us together.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- The public outcry was clear...
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- ..and the residents of Aberfan - had spoken.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- There was no possibility of moving - on and building a new future...
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- ..unless the coal tips were removed.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- A committee was formed...
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- ..and throughout 1967 and 1968...
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- ..they tried to address this issue - but their efforts were in vain.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- In spite of everything - they'd suffered here...
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- ..there was little sympathy - within government ranks...
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- ..towards the community's demands.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06- This is the Aberfan tip-removal - committee. The meeting's tonight.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11- The Secretary of State for Wales has - declined an invitation to attend.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- He's saying the tips - cannot be removed for three reasons.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19- A, it would take too long, - B, it would cost too much...
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- ..and C, two of the tips - are already on fire.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- By June 1968...
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- ..the tip-removal committee - was fed up.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- Nobody listened to them, - and they sent a letter here...
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- ..to the Welsh Office, - as it was back then...
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- ..home of Wales' most important - politician, George Thomas...
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- ..a native of the Valleys, - as it happened.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- They told him they were fed up - of being treated like children...
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- ..and that nobody - was taking any notice.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- Unless the tips were removed - they would take further action.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- It's time for militant action.
0:36:59 > 0:37:04- We can carry these tips manually - and dump them on their doorsteps.
0:37:04 > 0:37:10- My father had been angered by - the attitude of the authorities...
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- ..regarding the tips.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- They refused - to listen to the residents...
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- ..and insisted they knew better.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- They were ruthless, in fact.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- On 20 June 1968...
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- ..a very important meeting - was held here at the Welsh Office.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- It was a clash between George - Thomas, the Welsh Secretary...
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- ..and Aberfan leaders.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- A crowd of villagers - had also come along in support.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Everyone had hoped for - a positive outcome.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- Once it became clear that George - Thomas refused to compromise...
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- ..the crowd took action.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- Villagers stormed the building - and climbed the stairs.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- They'd brought a bag full of - coal waste from the tips in Aberfan.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10- They threw the waste on the floor - and on one of the tables.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13- They wanted George Thomas...
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- ..but he was nowhere to be seen.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- He was hiding somewhere - in the building.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- The protestors were asked to leave - and they refused.
0:38:22 > 0:38:28- George Thomas realized there was no - way of avoiding the confrontation.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- He was told off - in English and in Welsh.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36- I said, "We'll remove it ourselves, - bit by bit...
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- "..and send it to all you people."
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- After the difficult meeting - in this building...
0:38:43 > 0:38:47- ..George Thomas changed his mind - and announced a new policy.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- It was cause for celebration - in Aberfan.
0:38:51 > 0:38:56- But they hadn't realized that - George had stipulated a condition.
0:38:57 > 0:39:03- A disaster fund was set up - and it received worldwide donations.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- The total - soon reached 1.75 million.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- The government was mindful of that - when it came to removing the tips.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- Robens had said - the NCB wouldn't foot the bill...
0:39:16 > 0:39:21- ..so George Thomas demanded - a contribution from the residents.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25- It forced the people Aberfan - to make a decision...
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- ..between clearing the past - or creating a future.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33- There wasn't enough money - in the budget to do both.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- Let's be clear about this...
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- ..because - it's still hard to believe nowadays.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- The government - wanted to take 750,000...
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- ..from the Aberfan disaster fund - to remove the tips.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- They're going to consider - what they pay.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55- Of course, they will pay - what they can afford...
0:39:55 > 0:39:59- ..but the scheme - will depend on what they pay.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- Let's not forget that the - government at the time was happy...
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- ..to spend millions of pounds on - regenerating old industrial sites.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- Those communities - didn't have to pay...
0:40:12 > 0:40:15- ..and they hadn't suffered - like the people of Aberfan.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- Though the sum - had later dropped to 150,000...
0:40:20 > 0:40:24- ..Aberfan's solicitors - maintained it was illegal...
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- ..to use charitable donations - to remove the tips.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- But the trustees were under pressure - and they decided to pay.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- The question is...
0:40:34 > 0:40:38- ..why did the trustees - give the government 150,000...
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- ..knowing the practice was illegal?
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- It makes no sense to us today, - but many factors were to blame.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- Firstly, the trustees were - under pressure to make a decision.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56- Secondly, the Charity Commission - had been nothing but a pain...
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- ..and thirdly, - and more importantly...
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- ..it was feared - the tips would remain...
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- ..unless this money was paid.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- Ultimately, - they felt they had no choice.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- The work - of removing the tips began in 1969.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- During the Aberfan aftermath...
0:41:19 > 0:41:24- ..the media had focused - on tensions amongst the villagers.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- However, great effort had - gone into uniting the community.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- A memorial garden was built.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- Plans were under way - to rebuild the village.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- As a community...
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- ..we've been divided...
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- ..because the effect - hasn't been the same for us all.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- We don't all feel the same.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- But since then, - we've rallied together...
0:41:51 > 0:41:56- ..and got to know people - we didn't know before.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- They've pulled together...
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- ..and created something wonderful - from this community.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- If you're looking - for visual evidence...
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- ..of the regeneration after - the tragedy, then look no further.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15- This is the community centre - which was opened in 1973.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- The first event held - in this large hall was a conference.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23- The conference's slogan was, - Call to the Valleys.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- The media - had been portraying Aberfan...
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- ..as a divided community, - and a bitter one at that.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- Suddenly, - Aberfan became an example...
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- ..of a sensible policy - to the rest of South Wales.
0:42:39 > 0:42:45- As people, we intend to embrace - what we've learnt during the year...
0:42:45 > 0:42:51- ..by formulating a strategy - and a programme for our future.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- There's such a sense of emergency - in the Valleys...
0:42:56 > 0:43:01- ..that we can proffer Aberfan, - after the last experience...
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- ..as an opportunity - for people to come together.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- The residents of Aberfan...
0:43:10 > 0:43:14- ..tried to look to the future - with confidence...
0:43:14 > 0:43:17- ..but there remained one obstacle.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- The government - had taken 150,000 from the fund.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24- It was completely unjustifiable, - of course...
0:43:24 > 0:43:29- ..but it also created practical - problems here at the centre.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- Due to inflation and rising costs...
0:43:34 > 0:43:37- ..the situation - has deteriorated badly.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41- In the end, - no money will be earmarked...
0:43:42 > 0:43:44- ..for the community centre.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- Community leaders - and local politicians...
0:43:49 > 0:43:54- ..still argued that the 150,000 - taken from the disaster fund...
0:43:54 > 0:43:56- ..should be paid back.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00- An effort was made to introduce - a measure at Westminster...
0:44:01 > 0:44:04- ..forcing the government - to repay the money.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- We asked them a year ago - to repay the money...
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- ..but they said they had no right.
0:44:09 > 0:44:14- We're offering this parliamentary - measure to force them...
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- ..to pay back the money.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20- The government apologized for - not being able to repay the money.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24- Now they're saying - they don't want to repay it.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- Every effort resulted in failure.
0:44:30 > 0:44:31- By the end of the 1980s...
0:44:32 > 0:44:36- ..management of the centre - went to the local council.
0:44:36 > 0:44:41- There were fears over the future - of the memorial garden and cemetery.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45- They had to wait 30 years...
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- ..for change and for justice.
0:44:48 > 0:44:53- In 1997 a new Labour government - was elected with a large majority.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- A new Welsh Secretary - was sworn in...
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- ..and he was determined - to do the right thing.
0:45:00 > 0:45:05- At the same time, official documents - had been released publicly...
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- ..which shone new light - on the behaviour of Lord Robens...
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- ..the Charity Commission - and several Labour politicians...
0:45:14 > 0:45:16- ..who'd disregarded - the people of Aberfan.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21- It wasn't only returning the money - but it was a public apology...
0:45:21 > 0:45:26- ..from the most senior politician - that there was at a Welsh level.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30- I was apologizing for the actions - of one of my predecessors.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- I was saying, "That was wrong."
0:45:33 > 0:45:36- Paying 150,000 - back into the fund...
0:45:36 > 0:45:41- ..was a public statement, that this - community had been wrongly treated.
0:45:41 > 0:45:46- A decade later, the Welsh government - paid a far higher sum...
0:45:46 > 0:45:50- ..equivalent to the sum - that was taken out back in 1968.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55- In 2007, taking into account - interest and inflation...
0:45:56 > 0:46:00- ..the Welsh government paid 2m - into the Aberfan disaster fund.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03- Everyone regarded it - as a tragedy for Wales.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06- Now we had a government in Wales...
0:46:07 > 0:46:10- ..they could - reverse the injustice...
0:46:10 > 0:46:13- ..on behalf of the Welsh nation.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16- The future - of the memorials was safe...
0:46:17 > 0:46:22- ..and the charity was able to fulfil - one of its original objectives...
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- ..which was to invest - in the future of Aberfan's children.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- The Aberfan Educational Charity - has been generous to us.
0:46:31 > 0:46:35- The resources we've received - have been of the highest standard.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- When we publicize our donations - from the fund...
0:46:39 > 0:46:43- ..the people of Aberfan and Merthyr - Vale are incredibly grateful...
0:46:44 > 0:46:47- ..especially the older generation...
0:46:47 > 0:46:51- ..who've lived through - the aftermath of the disaster.
0:46:51 > 0:46:56- All the schools in the local area - receive financial aid from the fund.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59- The future of the memorials - are now safe.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03- There's a lovely tranquillity - in the memorial garden...
0:47:04 > 0:47:07- ..built on the site - of Pantglas Junior School.
0:47:07 > 0:47:11- It's a place to reflect - on the atrocity of 50 years ago...
0:47:11 > 0:47:15- ..and it's also a place to reflect - on the support many have given...
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- ..to the local community.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21- I'm sitting on a bench dedicated - to the memory of one of those.
0:47:22 > 0:47:23- Barrister Desmond Ackner.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26- For many Aberfan families...
0:47:26 > 0:47:30- ..he was the Great Protector.
0:47:30 > 0:47:33- This garden is a symbol - to the rest of the world.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- A symbol of a community - overcome by loss...
0:47:37 > 0:47:40- ..a community - determined to rebuild itself...
0:47:40 > 0:47:42- ..gradually and courageously...
0:47:43 > 0:47:47- ..without losing the desire - for the truth and for justice.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50- As we mark - the disaster's 50th anniversary...
0:47:50 > 0:47:55- ..that's the sentiment that the - Aberfan community holds to this day.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:23 > 0:48:24- .