This crossword No. 9976 clues and answers were published on Thu 25 Apr 2002 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9976 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Disgusting – anti-insect substance : REPELLENT
8-across – Footwear – playing-card dispenser – part of a brake : SHOE
9-across – Game for one person – single gem : SOLITAIRE
10-across – Said – form of test : ORAL
13-across – Mediterranean capital and port : TUNIS
15-across – Venerate – American hero : REVERE
16-across – Stick together – split apart : CLEAVE
17-across – Monstrous female : OGRESS
19-across – Family – tension : STRAIN
20-across – Experience – discrimination : TASTE
21-across – Expectant : AGOG
24-across – Chief – First Lieutenant – myself : NUMBERONE
25-across – Ship’s company – boasted : CREW
26-across – Have a mind to – have a party : ENTERTAIN
All Down Clues and Answers:
2-down – Cupid : EROS
3-down – Wicked – social problem : EVIL
4-down – Union – measure : LEAGUE
5-down – Scandinavian : NORDIC
6-down – Quack : CHARLATAN
7-down – Contentment : WELLBEING
11-down – Hauteur : ARROGANCE
12-down – Took too much of a drug : OVERDOSED
13-down – Faith : TRUST
14-down – Criticise – outdated school equipment : SLATE
18-down – Roman god – planet : SATURN
19-down – Fast – horses : STABLE
22-down – Courage : GRIT
23-down – An opponent – opposed to party policy, etc : ANTI
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.