CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Back problem the cause of poor reproduction? (7,4) 9. Proclaimed English councillor in legal document (7) 10. Mark’s part initially played first, say, holding bar back (7)

11. A singular hard wood (3) 12. Refined man overturned shelter (7)

13. Exempted from levy, like movable carpets, I hear? (3-4)

14. Occasionally search pouch (3)

15. Reptile, oddly grey, caught on floor (5)

17. In which to get bargains and small drinks (5) 18. Excuse one after jumping bail (5)

20. Dark man on board loses kilo (5)

22. Boss admits first of union’s damaging allegations (3) 24. Stiff old man comforted by speleologist (7)

25. Most of university college’s material (7)

26. Mike briefly abandons operetta fuss (3)

27. Len’s OK swimming across river, using this? (7)

28. Some bypass playful turmoil (7)

29. The nature of policeman’s job (11)

Down

1. School chided don, possibly for his senescence (6,9)

2. One cold diver brought up piece of glacier maybe (7) 3. Reportedly sell bicycle part (5)

4. Bathe hard leather strip, sort of ligature (9)

5. I nearly stop importing variable European climbing aids (3,4) 6. By implication, Eric’s a Costa Rican possibly (7,8) 7. More than one saw commercial at certain times (6)

8. Return to former state, missing first exit (6) 16. Animated cartoon about officer and choir member (9) 18. Admission made by fool going round Catholic church (6)

19. Resorts to very old ink bottles and pens regularly (7)

21. Drums and where they’re often set up around mike (7)

23. Just over rear half of flying dinosaur’s foot (6)

25. Animal, feline one catching duck (5)