This crossword No. 21677 clues and answers were published on Mon 30 Aug 1999 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 21677 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Back ‘obson’s choice? : ENDORSE
5-across – Southernwood induces repose : SLUMBER
9-across – Firm agreement with a publisher, perhaps : BINDINGCONTRACT
10-across – Excites hothead among former moderate Conservatives : WHETS
11-across – Game that may be worn out : NEWMARKET
12-across – Give indirect advice, but no hard tip? : DROPAHINT
14-across – Comparatively dismal colour put on right : BLUER
15-across – Thrown out, it is said, by class system : CASTE
16-across – Tears by poor head’s supporters : ADHERENTS
18-across – One obliged to tipple gin in plenty : ABOUNDING
21-across – Operatic heroine who has attained full maturity : ISOLD
22-across – Political pact in much trouble with correspondence : MUNICHAGREEMENT
23-across – Kind of stakes for young children? : NURSERY
24-across – Refrains from upsetting sides on the way back : DESISTS
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – England leader bowled out and jostled : ELBOWED
2-down – Play at accident black spot, perhaps : DANGEROUSCORNER
3-down – Put back in control over country : REINSTATE
4-down – The Spanish drink from Scotland? : ELGIN
5-down – Timing device for outpost sentinel : STOPWATCH
6-down – Awful tragedy involving political extremist : ULTRA
7-down – Nomads by the dark stream’s side : BLACKBURNROVERS
8-down – Revolver of dual aspect : ROTATOR
13-down – One girl holding a drink that’s non-existent : IMAGINARY
14-down – He did not see a timer fault in the public service vehicle : BARTIMEUS
15-down – Pedlar of the realms of gold? : CHAPMAN
17-down – Keeps calm as boy jumps over broken seat : SEDATES
19-down – Suitable position for hospital in French resort : NICHE
20-down – Stained with blood, as skirt may be : GORED
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.