This crossword No. 9986 clues and answers were published on Tue 07 May 2002 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9986 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Neat – evergreen : SPRUCE
4-across – Pester – nocturnal animal : BADGER
8-across – Impertinent – jaunty : SAUCY
9-across – Takes the mickey : SENDSUP
10-across – Act – dance : MEASURE
11-across – Chide – fishwife : SCOLD
12-across – Weapon – domineering woman : BATTLEAXE
17-across – Fight – waste : SCRAP
19-across – Fencing – complaining – attacking : RAILING
21-across – Open – frank – paid out beforehand : UPFRONT
22-across – Bit – part : PIECE
23-across – They leave : EXEUNT
24-across – House roof may be – criticised : SLATED
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Plant cultivated for seeds providing oil : SESAME
2-down – Fruit – nonsense! : RHUBARB
3-down – Aquatic South American rodent : COYPU
5-down – Loss of memory : AMNESIA
6-down – Zest : GUSTO
7-down – Fast currents : RAPIDS
9-down – Have suspicion something is afoot : SMELLARAT
13-down – Violent storm – WWII aircraft : TYPHOON
14-down – Obvious : EVIDENT
15-down – Suppose – adopt : ASSUME
16-down – Tallied – reconciled : AGREED
18-down – Weapon – sack : RIFLE
20-down – Drive – force : IMPEL
This crossword has in total 26 where 13 are across and 13 are down.