This crossword No. 688 clues and answers were published on Sun 23 Nov 2008 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 688 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Maritime worker : DECKHAND
5-across – Earnest request, prayer : PLEA
9-across – Member of the nobility : BARON
10-across – Relevant, to the point : GERMANE
11-across – Militantly working-class? : INVERTEDSNOB
13-across – Way out : EGRESS
14-across – Young swan : CYGNET
17-across – In adversity, pressured : UNDERTHECOSH
20-across – Far Eastern capital : BANGKOK
21-across – Lifeless, sluggish : INERT
22-across – Air, distinctive quality : AURA
23-across – Woollen garment : CARDIGAN
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Something owed : DEBT
2-down – Medico-legal officer : CORONER
3-down – Non-violent protest : HUNGERSTRIKE
4-down – Deny, nullify : NEGATE
6-down – Commit to memory : LEARN
7-down – Bitterness, sharpness : ACERBITY
8-down – Loving and giving? : FRIDAYSCHILD
12-down – Imperfect shadow : PENUMBRA
15-down – Money set aside for retirement : NESTEGG
16-down – Period of play in polo : CHUKKA
18-down – Benefactor, giver : DONOR
19-down – Knock senseless : STUN
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.