This crossword No. 653 clues and answers were published on Sun 23 Mar 2008 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 653 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – At one’s wits – end : DISTRAUGHT
7-across – Weigh down : OVERLOAD
8-across – Noise of a donkey : BRAY
9-across – Swarm : TEEM
10-across – Safeguard : PROTECT
12-across – Improvident, wasteful : EXTRAVAGANT
14-across – Function : OPERATE
16-across – Woodworking tool : ADZE
19-across – Cereal husks : BRAN
20-across – Nudist : NATURIST
21-across – Relevance : PERTINENCE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Piece of turf : DIVOT
2-down – Excess : SURFEIT
3-down – Civil disturbance : RIOT
4-down – Carpet backing : UNDERLAY
5-down – Custom : HABIT
6-down – Lucky charm : MASCOT
11-down – Single Spanish percussion : CASTANET
12-down – Sell abroad : EXPORT
13-down – Firedog : ANDIRON
15-down – Compass, extent : RANGE
17-down – Follow : ENSUE
18-down – Amaze; knock senseless : STUN
This crossword has in total 23 where 11 are across and 12 are down.