This crossword No. 21653 clues and answers were published on Mon 02 Aug 1999 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 21653 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
8-across – Unlimited affection? : FREELOVE
9-across – A good bet suggested to relatives as some protection : NAPKIN
10-across – Legislative measures followed by Romans : ACTS
11-across – Prudently involved the city elders : DISCREETLY
12-across – The opposite of a sun bonnet? : ICECAP
14-across – Criterion followed by a cavalry regiment : STANDARD
15-across – Rowdy clients cut by the typist : STENCIL
17-across – A second order of clergy : DEACONS
20-across – Sailors in the drink : ABSINTHE
22-across – One takes no end of cash in here, finishing with nothing : CASINO
23-across – Well-known way in which Christmas is enjoyed : CELEBRATED
24-across – Period of time – spring, for example : TIDE
25-across – Thanks to foreigners, a bit of old England : MERCIA
26-across – In which to store clothes they’ve grown out of? : TALLBOYS
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Result of dropping the charge? : PRICECUT
2-down – An outstanding part of the country : NESS
3-down – Delay that gives serious offence : HOLDUP
4-down – Press it, rudely and obstinately? : PERSIST
5-down – Swell position for a batsman : INCREASE
6-down – Writers’ additions? They may be taken out in the theatre : APPENDICES
7-down – He finishes off the game with the queen : KILLER
13-down – Shared secret belief : CONFIDENCE
16-down – New form of travel in space : INTERVAL
18-down – Time for wonder : NINEDAYS
19-down – Willing to try a new blend of tea : TESTATE
21-down – His produce is dispensed at local pumps : BREWER
22-down – Hold in close affection : CUDDLE
24-down – Save up to get a brass instrument : TUBA
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.