This crossword No. 21974 clues and answers were published on Fri 11 Aug 2000 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 21974 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
7-across – Sacked a politician for inflammatory release : FIREDAMP
9-across – A guy crossing river is lost : ASTRAY
10-across – Make unconscious rejection of madmen : STUN
11-across – Newspaper gets old bag a trip! That’s automatic : TIMESWITCH
12-across – Growin’ fruit : RAISIN
14-across – Fools about to lick food : CROUTONS
15-across – Informed about English love for a blade : TOLEDO
17-across – Overwork Bob’s followers : STRAIN
20-across – He finds sister in obscurity in the Arctic : MURMANSK
22-across – Transport small shelf : SLEDGE
23-across – Animal is freezing in the country : CHINCHILLA
24-across – You can bet on this move : TOTE
25-across – Warm clothing for most of the navy going to church : FLEECE
26-across – Sheath for skin disease obtained by poet : SCABBARD
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Absent-minded little girl’s characteristic : DISTRAIT
2-down – Barren meadow needs nitrate, initially : LEAN
3-down – Scientist has tutor entertaining a commissioned officer : DALTON
4-down – Graduate left authoris-ation : PASSPORT
5-down – Band has meals on top of oriental entertainment : STRIPTEASE
6-down – One will stoop for food : FALCON
8-down – Pulp flower with club : POMACE
13-down – Priest introduced to smoother amphibian : SALAMANDER
16-down – Rings round to run boats : DINGHIES
18-down – It’s useless turning gun on a politician : NUGATORY
19-down – Society destroys facilities : SKILLS
21-down – Champion is riding clutch : UPHOLD
22-down – Mock a new priest : SHAMAN
24-down – Mug bowled during play : TOBY
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.