This crossword No. 868 clues and answers were published on Sun 13 May 2012 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 868 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Decide to stop : CALLITADAY
7-across – Shining : RADIANT
8-across – Scold, termagant : SHREW
10-across – Flat, regular : EVEN
11-across – Forefront : VANGUARD
13-across – Fill, take up : OCCUPY
15-across – Confer : BESTOW
17-across – Eagerness : ALACRITY
18-across – Scourge : WHIP
21-across – Legal : LICIT
22-across – Knee-cap : PATELLA
23-across – Predilection, penchant : PREFERENCE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Nucleus, corps : CADRE
2-down – Advance, borrowing : LOAN
3-down – Receptacle for work to be done : INTRAY
4-down – Allotted, ascribed : ASSIGNED
5-down – Side by side; keeping pace : ABREAST
6-down – Brawl : FREEFORALL
9-down – V-shaped hairline : WIDOWSPEAK
12-down – Pre-meal drink : APERITIF
14-down – Canterbury Tales author : CHAUCER
16-down – Daze, semi-consciousness : STUPOR
19-down – Divide in two : HALVE
20-down – Concuss; amaze : STUN
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.