CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Pay your first subscription – it’s the same for everybody! (4,3,4)

8. Mother and her boy, a craftsman (5)

9. Man of wealth and power who can get a man in trouble (7) 10. It isn’t legal till one goes round the Channel Islands (7) 11. Has weapons to dream about (5)

12. It may be an evil spirit, gin – use it, anyhow (6)

14. Office of caretaker in church will border on rector initially (6) 18. Order one to be covered in a sort of cord (5) 19. Radioactive metal could ruin human insides (7) 21. Putting an uncle out, which is not kosher (7)

23, Is following in search of raft drifting around the East (5) 24. A recital from France, or MEP who makes it (11)

DOWN

1. This Jack, taking the gun, is off too soon (7)

2. It regulates our glucose and gives us nil in compound form (7)

3. This may be the key to a gin mixer (5)

4. Ill-will shown when I’m put up in Tyne like this (6)

5. Haul the gauntlet along with the cases (7)

6. This may snake over a woman’s shoulders (3)

7. The staff of life is not alone to be lived by (5) 13. Pawnbroker has a right to it, but it’s not obvious (7) 15. Single tabletop that could shine when it’s wet (7)

16. The compunction with which some err maybe (7) 17. Board giving part question, part answer, is to disappear (6) 18. Be in two minds but do it anyhow (5) 20. Consternation that exists among several armament makers (5) 22. Award one will hollow one’s hands for (3)