This crossword No. 9656 clues and answers were published on Sat 14 Apr 2001 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9656 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Account – used for cutting and pruning : BILL
3-across – Primary – colour : CARDINAL
8-across – Thin strip of wood : LATH
9-across – Ignore – trade concession : DISCOUNT
11-across – Introduce a topic for conversation : STARTAHARE
14-across – Semi-liquid dairy product : YOGURT
15-across – Accelerate – promotion : STEPUP
17-across – AD : ANNODOMINI
20-across – Nutty – biscuits : CRACKERS
21-across – Barely – deserved : JUST
22-across – Incorporated : EMBODIED
23-across – Harbour – transport : BEAR
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Light – gold – sweet : BULLSEYE
2-down – Sluggishness : LETHARGY
4-down – Leave a vehicle – burning : ALIGHT
5-down – Bunting : DECORATION
6-down – Common sense – intellect : NOUS
7-down – Dead : LATE
10-down – Absolutely bare : STARKNAKED
12-down – Natural ability : APTITUDE
13-down – Sharp piece of glass or metal – shatter : SPLINTER
16-down – Run – series of lectures : COURSE
18-down – Area measure : ACRE
19-down – Point of fish-hook – gibe : BARB
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.