This crossword No. 9248 clues and answers were published on Wed 22 Dec 1999 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9248 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Chaff : BANTER
4-across – Soothing ointment : BALSAM
8-across – Courage : NERVE
9-across – Turn from straight course : DEFLECT
10-across – Living in water : AQUATIC
11-across – Sudden thrust : LUNGE
12-across – Get rid of : ELIMINATE
17-across – Hurry : HASTE
19-across – Immediate – moment : INSTANT
21-across – Radiant : SHINING
22-across – Mendacious : LYING
23-across – Guard : DEFEND
24-across – Followed – stubborn : DOGGED
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Dwarf variety of domestic fowl : BANTAM
2-down – Rear : NURTURE
3-down – Bring to bear : EXERT
5-down – Lucerne, a fodder plant : ALFALFA
6-down – Strict – forbidding : STERN
7-down – Concern : MATTER
9-down – Going downhill : DECLINING
13-down – Person from Spain or Portugal : IBERIAN
14-down – Avoiding : EVADING
15-down – Pursued : CHASED
16-down – Of a play, brought about : STAGED
18-down – Small boat : SKIFF
20-down – Simultaneous discharge of guns : SALVO
This crossword has in total 26 where 13 are across and 13 are down.