This crossword No. 22726 clues and answers were published on Mon 13 Jan 2003 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 22726 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
8-across – Tough policy on complicated land hire : HARDLINE
9-across – Wear down the Queen with long poem : ERODE
10-across – First man to be a mother : ADAM
11-across – Fido’s meal’s a mess : DOGSDINNER
12-across – He was a king just half a day : ARTHUR
14-across – Despite what’s been said, a rat fell out : AFTERALL
15-across – Harmonious movement in dance : ONESTEP
17-across – Friend from a city in Somerset nearly found beside the tub : BATHMAT
20-across – Anniversary of Sir Robin joining Labour : BIRTHDAY
22-across – Sword held by artist on jetty : RAPIER
23-across – No beautifier of public places : LITTERLOUT
24-across – Left words for bride and groom in Venice : LIDO
25-across – Recall first girl to swallow rubber stamp : EVOKE
26-across – Bankrupt there in India : INTHERED
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Chap almost daring to speak Chinese : MANDARIN
2-down – Cheese made the wrong way : EDAM
3-down – Ash found by Ella on the stage : CINDER
4-down – Ingrid can be found on river with FBI agent : BERGMAN
5-down – Sell Spanish separatists, reportedly found feuding : VENDETTA
6-down – Hideaway with grass on, which may be open all hours : CORNERSHOP
7-down – Resulted in bell ringing loud note : BEFELL
13-down – Doubt when he gets a non-U situation : HESITATION
16-down – Supports one with dress in disarray : ENDORSES
18-down – It’s been read variously in Scotland : ABERDEEN
19-down – Of a British poet’s broadcast in Corby : BYRONIC
21-down – More than one plant is about to grow : IRISES
22-down – Turn, or turned, junk east : ROTATE
24-down – Woollies half removed, revealing whoppers! : LIES
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.