IT emerged yesterday that North Lanarkshire Council paid out almost #1m in councillors' expenses and allowances last year. The Labour-controlled council spent a total of #942,251 before tax and National Insurance deductions. Around #710,000 went on basic and special responsibility allowances and more than #230,000 in subsistence and travel costs to the 69 members. Leisure services committee convener Francis Griffin received the most after deductions, at #21,159.