CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

acrOss 1 It was right to enter investiture at the

beginning (12) 9 We took babes out with very little

money (7) 10 Was President upset by empty talk? (7) 11 Can be indifferent to a lot of money (4) 12 First 24 across fever was a bit ambiguous (5) 13 Saw old aircraft ready, initially, to take to the air (4) 16 It draws to a close, so leaves one high and dry (4,3) 17 Pardons some poor specimens (7) 18 The wrong worker can be hit-or-miss (7) 21 Did a farmer fall right into a policeman? (7) 23 For poster boy to get 29 across would

be pointless (4) 24 Bard’s work coming from overseas (5) 25 Get mad over knock-out (4) 28 Returned proceeds made by Balls (7) 29 The Italian left cape in disorder (7) 30 Without US, postponing shares as

austerity measures (8,4) dOWN 2 Went away, and was successful, in

Glenrothes (3,4) 3 Bank is in the mire, effectively (4) 4 Girl’s brown as a berry, at last, abroad

(7) 5 Top cop liable to turn about to make an

arrest (7) 6 Terrible ruler put one at the forefront

(4) 7 Get new budgets right away for some

races (7) 8 Sharing rest out, with little time for

affections (12) 9 Defend space given to youngsters behind the scenes (8,4) 14 Reckon to talk endlessly across-theboard (5) 15 Bail out a second mutual, in short (5) 19 After top flight changes, it goes downhill (7) 20 Worry little boy had cold feet (7) 21 Rest may have to check the buffer (7) 22 One having 29 across may be calm and

collected, in case (7) 26 Connects, we’re told, using a cutting

tool (4) 27 Black hair is cut short for a party (4)