Question

B

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy is on a mission to recover ￡46 million of council cash. He has traveled to Iceland for high-level talks with Prime Minister Geir Haarde. Mr. Murphy has vowed to do “whatever it takes” to ensure the return to local authorities of the millions of pounds which are locked in crisis-hit Icelandic banks. He also wants to see the return of money deposited there by a number of Scottish charities.

Mr. Murphy said Scots councils and charities had invested in Icelandic banks in good faith before the country’s banking system was severely hit by the global financial crisis.

He said, “Our relationship with Iceland has traditionally been a very good one. But of course, there are pressures at the moment, particularly because of the international credit crisis and the collapse of the Icelandic banks.”

“There is money from Scottish councils and Scottish charities invested in some of those banks and I’m making efforts to persuade the Icelandic government that money should be returned.”

“We’ve made it very clearly, and we’ll do whatever it takes to support Scottish people to get their money out of the Icelandic banking crisis.”

The Scottish Secretary’s move has been welcomed by the Holyrood Parliament. The UK Government is currently trying to save ￡4 billion in deposits held by customers in the failed Icelandic bank Ice-save, at risk after its parent firm Landsbanki folded. The bank’s collapse caused a diplomatic argument after ministers froze assets of other Icelandic banks.

44. According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE?

A. Scots councils and charities had invested in Icelandic banks in bad faith.

B. The relationship with Iceland has traditionally been a very good one, so they don’t worry about it forever.

C. The UK Government and people can’t be satisfied with Iceland’s ministers’ measures.

D. The UK Government supports Scottish people to fight with the Iceland.

45. Jim Murphy will pay a visit to Iceland in order to ______.

A. strengthen their cooperation and promote economic progress between two countries

B. persuade the Icelandic Government to give back the money that are locked in

crisis-hit Icelandic bank

C. traveled to Iceland for high-level talks with Prime Minister Geir Haarde and wanted to break away from the crisis together

D. represent the government to help Iceland to recover economy

46. What is the best title for the passage?

A. Icelandic banking crisis                                B. Murphy’s Icelandic mission

C. The influence of the crisis                             D. A friendly visit

Answer 1

44-46ＣＢＢ