This crossword No. 9554 clues and answers were published on Thu 14 Dec 2000 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9554 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Let – pass : PERMIT
4-across – Swiss cottage : CHALET
8-across – Fertile desert spot : OASIS
9-across – French town, destination of RC pilgrimage : LOURDES
10-across – Adage : PROVERB
11-across – Perfect : IDEAL
12-across – Decide – to settle : DETERMINE
17-across – Electronic communication : EMAIL
19-across – Unaffected – innate : NATURAL
21-across – Egocentric – greedy : SELFISH
22-across – Vision : DREAM
23-across – Flag – officer : ENSIGN
24-across – Idiot : CRETIN
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Speedy – help for forgetful actor : PROMPT
2-down – Reply – react : RESPOND
3-down – Spring – children – publication : ISSUE
5-down – Famous escapologist : HOUDINI
6-down – Large spoon : LADLE
7-down – Scuffle : TUSSLE
9-down – Maze : LABYRINTH
13-down – Effective – narration : TELLING
14-down – Serious – down payment : EARNEST
15-down – Tenant : LESSEE
16-down – Informal name for father, husband or ship’s captain : OLDMAN
18-down – Map book – Titan : ATLAS
20-down – Royal house : TUDOR
This crossword has in total 26 where 13 are across and 13 are down.