This crossword No. 553 clues and answers were published on Sun 23 Apr 2006 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 553 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Oracular : DELPHIC
8-across – Domestic cock : ROOSTER
9-across – Tropical disease : MALARIA
10-across – Evening service : VESPERS
11-across – Right-hand page : RECTO
13-across – Unfrequented : UNTRODDEN
15-across – Recurrent theme : LEITMOTIF
18-across – Egg-shaped : OVATE
21-across – Counsellor : ADVISOR
22-across – Upshot, result : OUTCOME
23-across – Of the earth, worldly : TERRENE
24-across – Snake : SERPENT
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Cavil, dispute : DEMUR
2-down – Pale mauve : LILAC
3-down – Person in charge of anchorage : HARBOURMASTER
4-down – Male neckwear : CRAVAT
5-down – Ineffectual sympathiser : JOBSCOMFORTER
6-down – Listen to : ATTEND
7-down – Confinement : PRISON
12-down – Sharpness : EDGE
14-down – Send out : EMIT
15-down – Shed, outbuilding : LEANTO
16-down – Turn upside down : INVERT
17-down – Violent pains : THROES
19-down – On top of : ABOVE
20-down – Throw out : EJECT
This crossword has in total 26 where 12 are across and 14 are down.