This crossword No. 448 clues and answers were published on Sun 18 Apr 2004 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 448 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Precious stone : SAPPHIRE
5-across – Exchange : SWAP
9-across – Ethical : MORAL
10-across – Nominal : TITULAR
11-across – Sign of cowardice : WHITEFEATHER
13-across – Accounts book : LEDGER
14-across – Self-interested person : EGOIST
17-across – Break : INTERRUPTION
20-across – Word of opposite meaning : ANTONYM
21-across – Play : DRAMA
22-across – Layer, rank : TIER
23-across – Go before : ANTECEDE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Oil reservoir : SUMP
2-down – Deprived of water : PARCHED
3-down – Stop press : HOLDTHEFRONT
4-down – Authorise : RATIFY
6-down – Renege on obligation : WELCH
7-down – Conclude speech : PERORATE
8-down – Ruler : STRAIGHTEDGE
12-down – Litigant : CLAIMANT
15-down – Cut off : ISOLATE
16-down – Call upon : SUMMON
18-down – Tenth part : TITHE
19-down – See 3 : PAGE
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.