This crossword No. 12142 clues and answers were published on Thu 09 Apr 2009 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 12142 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Skin of tree : BARK
3-across – Typical example — sample : SPECIMEN
8-across – All you need, according to the song : LOVE
9-across – Active and fit for sport etc : ATHLETIC
11-across – Catastrophic : CALAMITOUS
14-across – Impertinent : CHEEKY
15-across – Make a difference to : AFFECT
17-across – Grasp : UNDERSTAND
20-across – Make less harsh : MITIGATE
21-across – Volcano : ETNA
22-across – Out of one’s mind : DEMENTED
23-across – Dirty froth : SCUM
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Device to check inflow into cistern : BALLCOCK
2-down – Weapon holding maybe six rounds : REVOLVER
4-down – Root vegetable : POTATO
5-down – Treated so that it will not run : COLOURFAST
6-down – Unable to speak : MUTE
7-down – Isthmus : NECK
10-down – Weapon evidently just used : SMOKINGGUN
12-down – About the meaning of words : SEMANTIC
13-down – Breeding establishment : STUDFARM
16-down – Boil : SEETHE
18-down – In the centre of : AMID
19-down – Tiny particle : ATOM
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.