This crossword No. 9279 clues and answers were published on Fri 28 Jan 2000 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9279 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Make petty distinctions : SPLITHAIRS
7-across – South American python : ANACONDA
8-across – Shoulder – stomach : BEAR
9-across – Union – strike : CLUB
10-across – Implement for practical use : UTENSIL
12-across – Arson : FIRERAISING
14-across – Teach : EDUCATE
16-across – Gunned down – go – guess : SHOT
19-across – Slight – mark on music : SLUR
20-across – Hopefulness : OPTIMISM
21-across – Shared secret – belief : CONFIDENCE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Of sound : SONIC
2-down – Varnish : LACQUER
3-down – Little : TINY
4-down – Slaughterhouse : ABATTOIR
5-down – Redbreast : ROBIN
6-down – Impudent – brave – courage : DARING
11-down – Send a letter – cancel a debt : WRITEOFF
12-down – Play – cheat : FIDDLE
13-down – Pitiless : INHUMAN
15-down – Freight : CARGO
17-down – Experience – discrimination : TASTE
18-down – Stable – boss : STUD
This crossword has in total 23 where 11 are across and 12 are down.