This crossword No. 9998 clues and answers were published on Tue 21 May 2002 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9998 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Young deer – beige colour : FAWN
3-across – Strong and sturdy : STALWART
8-across – Not found often : RARE
9-across – Area of liquid fuel reserves : OILFIELD
11-across – Out of bed and moving around : UPANDABOUT
14-across – Suit maker : TAILOR
15-across – Select for task : ASSIGN
17-across – Enthusiastic excitement : EBULLIENCE
20-across – Interesting and lively – as a cartoon film is : ANIMATED
21-across – Tart : ACID
22-across – Do quickly : EXPEDITE
23-across – Peruse : READ
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Accidental occurrence : FORTUITY
2-down – Rat poison – medical anticoagulant : WARFARIN
4-down – Man’s soft felt hat : TRILBY
5-down – Not put into words : LEFTUNSAID
6-down – Highest point : APEX
7-down – Neat – container for odds and ends : TIDY
10-down – Autocue : IDIOTBOARD
12-down – Housing for ship’s compass : BINNACLE
13-down – Meant : INTENDED
16-down – Even though : ALBEIT
18-down – Wan : PALE
19-down – Slight trace : WISP
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.