THE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 Thoughtful form of desecration! (11) 9 Refuse to dress on time (7) 10 His victims lose heart (5) 11 This month in Westminster (4) 12 Go over new art and poetry (8) 14 Escort round the district (6) 16 New union members are required to move debris (6) 18 He may act well but he paints badly (8) 19 Leading actor of performing arts (4) 22 Classical customs more to the point (5) 23 His true array is shaggy naturally (7) 24 Groups that promote diversionary activities (6,5)

DOWN

2 Giants hiding in the gorse (5) 3 Type of opera that evokes flattery (4) 4 Doctor has a bad year and becomes dismal (6) 5 Hope for the lost and sick (8) 6 Came to the point throwing out red tape (7) 7 The seconds are important in such a fight (7,4) 8 Advisers are represented on opposite sides (11) 13 He works so that others may play (8) 15 Solve a mystery and become brighter (5,2) 17 Emotion shown by love in little ways (6) 20 It’s quite rough and ready as a rule (5) 21 Dentist’s examination? (4)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

1 Lacking depth (11) 9 Store of weapons (7) 10 Succulent plants (5) 11 Locate (4) 12 Scholarly people (8) 14 Capital of Cuba (6) 16 Consent to (6) 18 Rough and primitive (8) 19 Prolonged dull pain (4) 22 Hold on (5) 23 Prospect for future (7) 24 Increasingly (4,3,4)

DOWN

2 An unexpected defeat (5) 3 Sea eagle (4) 4 Carry out (6) 5 Topsy-turvy (8) 6 Welcome enthusiastically (7) 7 Shift responsibility to another (4,3,4) 8 Falsely optimistic promise (3,2,3,3) 13 Snarl up (8) 15 Dizziness (7) 17 Disclaim responsibility for (6) 20 Band of singers (5) 21 Check flow of (4)