This crossword No. 841 clues and answers were published on Sun 30 Oct 2011 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 841 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Lack : SCARCITY
5-across – Metallic element : ZINC
9-across – Middle East national : IRAQI
10-across – Beg, implore : ENTREAT
11-across – Ideal musical ear : PERFECTPITCH
13-across – Economy : THRIFT
14-across – Speak evil of : MALIGN
17-across – Colon specialist : PROCTOLOGIST
20-across – Conscientious : DUTIFUL
21-across – Vestige, hint : TRACE
22-across – Abominable snowman : YETI
23-across – Alarmed : STARTLED
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Error : SLIP
2-down – Layman : AMATEUR
3-down – Senior military officer : CHIEFOFSTAFF
4-down – Ditch : TRENCH
6-down – Sluggish, inactive : INERT
7-down – Contagious : CATCHING
8-down – Acquired relative : STEPDAUGHTER
12-down – Foolishly : STUPIDLY
15-down – Put in place : INSTALL
16-down – Badly illuminated : ILLLIT
18-down – Group of eight : OCTET
19-down – Sell : VEND
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.