CRYP TIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Running commercial vehicles on initially tight allowance ( 14) 9 Comic strip duck in tub ( 7) 10 Prohibits importing German sausages ( 7) 11 Earnest opera singer making a comeback (4) 12 Nevertheless halt sale, silly me! ( 3,3,4) 14 Very great number heading off after start of migration ( 6) 15 Recalled top of fancy flower ( 8) 17 Pedlar is upset, sees what you’re saying ( 3- 5) 18 Again docked across the dam ( 6) 21 Dance waving pretty sash ( 10) 22 Enthusiasts returned in shock (4) 24 Building equations, at first provided in numbered cubes ( 7) 25 Ring French friend about fake Japanese art ( 7) 26 A somewhat restrained comment below formal declaration ( 14)

DOWN 1 Praise a Conservative allegation ( 7) 2 What bridegroom may get me at rip- roaring resorts bordering Oman’s capital ( 8-7) 3 One dubious name for inert gas (4) 4 Individual in sleeveless vest, taking time off ( 6) 5 True about victim being in denial ( 8) 6 Rookie in bid to join infantry ( 10) 7 Canteen had soups requiring stirring – a matter easily resolved (4- 3- 4,4) 8 A grand on top ( 2,4) 13 Shrewd setter is, we suspect ( 10) 16 Mythological king you almost sussed out ( 8) 17 Added to register, the Queen’s surgeon ( 6) 19 Direct punk trio to go on the rampage ( 3,4) 20 Lynn, perhaps, banking on Italian city ( 6) 23 Cover skin (4)