CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. Sure foundation for music? (4) 3. Tries out wrong-doing first: that's inauspicious (8) 8. Settled help needed by learner (4) 9. Be reluctant to suspend defender (4,4) 11. Accept what is said by a prickly person? (4,3,5) 13. Equipment enabling one to leave healthy? (6) 14. A place of artful productions? (6) 17. Don't shirk making a stand like a conductor? (4,3,5) 20. Main plank on the shore (8) 21. The boy in the book (4) 22. Scatter spiders out east (8) 23. Press for some candour generally (4)

Down

1. The story of someone close (8) 2. Game insect (7) 4. I take a long time to get idols (6) 5. Enjoying oneself early? (2,4,4) 6. Give tuition to retinue (5) 7. Dissolute person in the garden? (4) 10. Be right on target with domestic industrial action? (6,4) 12. 100 Mediterranean islanders producing building material (8) 15. I spread hopelessness (7) 16. Sportswear for drinkers? (6) 18. Collect a donkey in the morning (5) 19. Took advantage of dues (4)