CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7. Freight we hate distributing, as it weighs 57kg (13) 8. May be on to it as ten make a pretentious display (11) 12. In desperation they’re clutched at as drinking-tubes (6) 14. Is this a bunk or the ocean floor? (6) 16. Clerk may have nothing in cupboard requiring a key (6) 18. A fine mess of fish, in this cooking vessel (6) 19. Twins’ simultaneous appearance on the stage for bookkeeping (6-5) 23. Deigning to see Conservative on the climb-down (13)

DOWN

1. Woman has nothing on for leading character (4) 2. Don’t obey proof correction in order to test it (4) 3. There are various nets in such courts (6) 4. Promises that one uses bad language (6) 5. Monkey that’s taking it up repeatedly (4) 6. Will almost polish the front of the leg (4) 9. One croc so confused, it will blow in from North Africa (7) 10. It does the rounds, space-wise (7) 11. Push it gradually to the brink (4) 12. An experienced sailor will add piquancy to it (4) 13. You and I, having eaten nothing, suffer misery (3) 15. Make up the required measure in a week evidently (3) 17. It’s an appetiser one will eat with enjoyment (6) 18. Guard ring for the man behind the wicket (6) 19. The way one’s feeling is upsetting to one’s destiny (4) 20. Give us our due, it’s partly the language (4) 21. It may be spring that’s affected by the moon (4) 22. Pull a king any way to begin with (4)