英语听力精选进阶版 13689

 City children suffering more

Summary

2 March 2012

The Swedish furniture giant Ikea has been accused of secretly accessing police files to spy on customers and staff in its stores in France. The company is alleged¹ to have paid private security firms to carry out checks on over 200 people. Ten Ikea employees are planning to issue a formal complaint.

Reporter

Christian² Fraser

Report

Ikea is a company with a stringent³ code of conduct for its suppliers but less stringent it seems for the security firms it has employed here in France. Their head of security paid over 100 dollars a time for secret police files held on a criminal database.

Over 200 people were investigated, with requests for criminal record and vehicle registration⁴ checks, though one email calls for information on someone thought to have made "anti-globalisation remarks" - someone who had raised concerns internally of a possible eco-terrorist attack. It's reported the information was used in deciding whether to fire staff members and also in resolving disputes with certain customers.

In response the company told the BBC that Ikea has now opened a full investigation⁵ to bring to light all relevant information. "We strongly disapprove," said a spokesman, "of any illegal activity which impinges on important values like the respect of privacy." Illegal access to these files carries a penalty of up 400,000 dollars and five years in prison.

1 alleged   

a.被指控的，嫌疑的

参考例句：

• It was alleged that he had taken bribes while in office. 他被指称在任时收受贿赂。
• alleged irregularities in the election campaign 被指称竞选运动中的不正当行为

2 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。

3 stringent   

adj.严厉的；令人信服的；银根紧的

参考例句：

• Financiers are calling for a relaxation of these stringent measures.金融家呼吁对这些严厉的措施予以放宽。
• Some of the conditions in the contract are too stringent.合同中有几项条件太苛刻。

4 registration   

n.登记，注册，挂号

参考例句：

• Marriage without registration is not recognized by law.法律不承认未登记的婚姻。
• What's your registration number?你挂的是几号？

5 investigation   

n.调查，调查研究

参考例句：

• In an investigation,a new fact became known, which told against him.在调查中新发现了一件对他不利的事实。
• He drew the conclusion by building on his own investigation.他根据自己的调查研究作出结论。