This crossword No. 21780 clues and answers were published on Wed 29 Dec 1999 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 21780 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Blood sport producing young animals : CUBBING
5-across – Vivacity normal in retreating deer : SPARKLE
9-across – Aloof bearing of a group of soldiers : AIROFDETACHMENT
10-across – Step – one taken by celebrity : STAIR
11-across – Leave witness box and give up : STANDDOWN
12-across – Receptacle : CONTAINER
14-across – Calls at specified places : CITES
15-across – Respond by doing the turn again : REACT
16-across – Where valuables may be kept secure in ice cream : WALLSAFES
18-across – Past example to go in front of book : PRECEDENT
21-across – Perhaps to that lady it is different : OTHER
22-across – Form of transport incurring overhead charges? : ELECTRICRAILWAY
23-across – It’s a tea to give full satisfaction : SATIATE
24-across – Cross-stitch – any done? : ANNOYED
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Standard work from Form 1C : CLASSIC
2-down – Level some shoppers sink to in the interests of economy? : BARGAINBASEMENT
3-down – Apprise worker of source of intelligence : INFORMANT
4-down – Speculation that intrigues shareholders to some degree : GUESS
5-down – They are mainly on the watch for a real post : SEAPATROL
6-down – Was in pain during each edition : ACHED
7-down – Seek seclusion in stronghold off the beaten track : KEEPOUTOFTHEWAY
8-down – Holds out to give former model send-off : EXTENDS
13-down – Three points emigre put over to incoming government : NEWREGIME
14-down – He takes care to get a discount, perhaps : CUSTODIAN
15-down – Soldier has journalists put down : REPRESS
17-down – King remained outside and wandered off : STRAYED
19-down – Run in next race : EXTRA
20-down – Some softer, rarer earth : TERRA
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.