The UK Government's work and pensions secretary has agreed to be questioned before a committee of MSPs.

Damian Green will appear before the Scottish Parliament's social security committee in November.

Green's predecessor, Iain Duncan Smith, rejected 11 invitations to answer questions from the welfare reform committee between 2011 and 2015.

Committee convener Sandra White said: "The previous welfare reform committee of this parliament tried and failed 11 times to secure a UK Government minister to appear in front of them.

"I am particularly pleased that the secretary of state has agreed to come and that the committee will have the opportunity so early on in this parliament to question the secretary of state on their approach to welfare reform.

"The timing of this session is especially important as the UK Government hands over certain welfare powers over to the Scottish Government.

"This committee will play a key role in making sure that people in Scotland are not negatively impacted upon through this transition."

The group of MSPs will question Green over the devolution of welfare powers.

Around 15% of all benefit spending in Scotland will be controlled and administered by the Scottish Government and a new social security agency after transfer of further powers is complete.