DOUBLE CROSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES: Across

1. Simple language in which to explain hire purchase? (4,5) 8. Directed operations speedily? (3) 9. When being work-shy is not inappropriate? (8,3) 11. The pool (or what made it) in the road (7) 12. Not at home again? That's in bad taste! (5) 13. Her production of 'Hamlet' was unusual (6) 15. Responsible position assumed after skating? (6) 17. Portion of dish with pastry - not half nice! (5) 18. Told off for producing new UK breed (7) 20. Real grilling for the triple graduate? (5,6) 22. Inclusion of another article (3) 23. Top entertainer being entertained? (5,4)

Down

2. Reverence for article you and I are attached to (3) 3. Roots put out by trunk (5) 4. Strip of carpet for the athlete (6) 5. Pirate of Wales (3,4) 6. Not one to offer a penny for his thoughts (11) 7. No return to them to finish with when getting better? (2,3,4) 10. Quite literally, the landlord is the addressee (2,3,6) 11. Tolerate being accommodated in the company of... (3,2,4) 14. ...yours truly needing to get in irregular assembly (7) 16. Keep control of newlywed, about 50 (6) 19. Animal noise coming from the table (5) 21. Time in another age (3)

QUICK CLUES: Across

1. Juicy (9) 8. Individual (3) 9. Loss (11) 11. Eternal (7) 12. Subject (5) 13. Coma (6) 15. Nursery (6) 17. Star constellation (5) 18. Sentinel (7) 20. Incognito (11) 22. Pose (3) 23. Trio (9)

Down

2. Employ (3) 3. Join (5) 4. Pass (6) 5. Chirp (7) 6. Outstanding (11) 7. Lacking (9) 10. Quibble (11) 11. Sanction (9) 14. Associate (7) 16. Actor (6) 19. Sea air (5) 21. Hit (3)