In earlier volumes of thisYearbook, international responses to the prospective dangers and opportunities posed by direct satellite broadcasting were examined. It was suggested that the international treatment of the implications of this activity might be seen in the light of:the emergence of an embryonic international legislative process, with the [United Nations] committees on outer space, the seabed, and so on playing the role of parliamentary standing committees and the Assembly that of a parliament — albeit one whose “acts” must be ratified by the governments of members. [It was suggested that] the committees have shown their ability to study and pursue important legal questions and [that] the General Assembly has demonstrated its willingness to pass resolutions encouraging legal development. [It was added that] … the specialized agencies and other international organizations have shown a readiness and a high degree of competence in preparing briefs and studies, in advancing opinions both interested and disinterested, and in providing general expertise to the committees, in the manner of effectively operating government departments.