THE UK Government have been asked what steps they're taking to keep West Fife safe and mitigate the "potential risks" posed by the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Radioactive waste is being removed from old nuclear subs at Rosyth Dockyard and Babcock have just applied for permission for more hazardous material to be taken out in the next stage.

Christine Jardine, Lib Dem MP for Edinburgh West, submitted a question at Westminster: "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey), what steps his department is taking to (a) ensure the safety of and (b) mitigate potential risks posed by the decommissioning of nuclear submarines at Rosyth Royal Dockyard for surrounding residential areas."

READ MORE: MP given timetable for dismantling of nuclear subs at Rosyth

On Mr Healey's behalf, Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement, replied: "All the submarines currently stored at Rosyth have already been de-fuelled, which has significantly reduced overall potential risk.

Seven old nuclear subs are laid up at Rosyth and four have had all of their low level radioactive waste successfully removed. Seven old nuclear subs are laid up at Rosyth and four have had all of their low level radioactive waste successfully removed. (Image: Newsquest) "Further, steps include contractual requirements with Babcock International around safety and environmental factors.

"These include regular sampling of surrounding waters and beaches, and dismantling one boat as a demonstrator to determine the safest methods before starting on other boats.

"In addition to the safety and environmental activities the Ministry of Defence and Babcock undertake, we also comply with permits and regulatory requirements from the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

"This includes annual emergency exercises with ONR to plan and test for any potential incidents, in the very unlikely event that a significant issue may occur."

READ MORE: Nuclear submarines to be removed from Rosyth by 2035

The project, which has already invested more than £200 million into the dockyard and the wider UK supply chain and sustains more than 500 jobs, will eventually see 27 subs turned into "tin cans and razor blades".

The decommissioned Royal Navy boats will have their radioactive waste removed and the remaining metal will, where practicable, be recycled.

There are only five still in service with seven laid up at Rosyth and 15 at Devonport, Plymouth.