This crossword No. 9978 clues and answers were published on Sat 27 Apr 2002 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9978 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Conforms to expected standards : TOESTHELINE
9-across – Protruding – importunate : OBTRUSIVE
10-across – Mongrel – cowardly person : CUR
11-across – Rogue – card : KNAVE
13-across – Do – carry out – put to death : EXECUTE
14-across – One giving gratuities – truck : TIPPER
15-across – Candleholder – head – mug – fortification : SCONCE
18-across – Late – outstanding : OVERDUE
20-across – Shrub : LILAC
21-across – Watch – middle of cyclone : EYE
22-across – Subdue – beat : OVERPOWER
24-across – Strange as it seems : ODDLYENOUGH
All Down Clues and Answers:
2-down – On strike – dismissed – unconsciousout : OUT
3-down – Pressurise – embrace : SQUEEZE
4-down – Greeted : HAILED
5-down – Belgian city – master – servant : LIEGE
6-down – Of the night : NOCTURNAL
7-down – Child’s allowance : POCKETMONEY
8-down – Gun-carrying guards : ARMEDESCORT
12-down – Recognise – arrest – suspect : APPREHEND
16-down – Topical West Indian song – orchid – sea nymph : CALYPSO
17-down – Ascetic – demanding – bitter : SEVERE
19-down – Amusing – jester : DROLL
23-down – Oscillate – wit : WAG
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.