WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2973/97 by Joaquín SISÓ CRUELLAS to the Commission. Computerization in European SMEs
C 102/158 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 3. 4. 98 (98/C 102/236) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2973/97 by Joaqu ·n Siso· Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (17 September 1997) Subject: Computerization in European SMEs A Spanish director of a major company which is a world leader in software development recently stated that, in Spain, only half as much is invested in information technologies as in the rest of Europe. This difference is particularly apparent in small and medium-sized companies, half of which have no personal computer whilst the other half have no more than five, despite the fact that Spanish businessmen are aware of their importance as a means of improving the competitiveness of SMEs. 1. Has the Commission any statistics, broken down for each individual country, concerning the percentage of European Union SMEs with access to computerization? If so, could it make them available? 2. Could the Commission say whether SMEs are provided with any kind of Community aid to enable them to make the necessary investment? If so, what kind of initiatives are being implemented? Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (24 October 1997) In view of the length of its answer, the Commission is sending it direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliamentís Secretariat. (98/C 102/237) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2974/97 by Joaqu ·n Siso· Cruellas (PPE) to the Commission (17 September 1997) Subject: Safety in fun parks On 5 July 1997 a person was killed at the Port Aventura fun park in Spain when he was flung from the Stampida ride (the steepest wooden big dipper in the world) at the point at which it reaches its maximum speed (72 kmph) after a pronounced slope. Those responsible for running the park pointed out that the Stampida carriages are equipped with individual restraining devices which the park employees check before each ride and that, if any of the bars fails to lock in place, this causes a cut-out which makes it impossible for the ride to start moving. At the end of the particular trip in question the bar was found to be locked in place, for which reason the safety system is considered to have worked. An investigation to determine the causes of the accident is currently under way. Following this tragic event the media revealed that there were no laws whatsoever to govern the safety systems of the various attractions in such parks. In view of the huge numbers of people who flock to such attractions during their leisure time, could the Commission say whether there are any European rules on safety in fun parks? Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (27 October 1997) The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-669/97 by Mr Willockx during question time at Parliamentís September 1997 part-session (1). (1) Debates of the Parliament (September 1997)