This crossword No. 573 clues and answers were published on Sun 10 Sep 2006 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 573 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Gardening tool : DUTCHHOE
5-across – Epic story : SAGA
9-across – Egg-shaped : OVOID
10-across – Type of barometer : ANEROID
11-across – Self-reliance : INDEPENDENCE
13-across – Room for manoeuvre : LEEWAY
14-across – Aphoristic : GNOMIC
17-across – Anti-subversion force : SECRETPOLICE
20-across – Cricketer : FIELDER
21-across – Artfulness, cunning : GUILE
22-across – Swimming pool : LIDO
23-across – Robe, official garment : VESTMENT
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Destiny; ruin : DOOM
2-down – Thrash : TROUNCE
3-down – Sub-text, unstated objective : HIDDENAGENDA
4-down – Wild ass : ONAGER
6-down – Embellish, decorate : ADORN
7-down – Formal interview : AUDIENCE
8-down – Influential member : LEADINGLIGHT
12-down – Joyous, rapt : BLISSFUL
15-down – Mechanical device : MACHINE
16-down – Few and far between : SPARSE
18-down – System of belief : CREED
19-down – Examine : TEST
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.