The Telegraph - CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO: 23,876 - Oct 17 2002

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Clues Answers
....bright crew fish for retirement present GOLDENHANDSHAKE
A British duty to dress thus! BIRTHDAYSUIT
A long time after the innkeeper was a prisoner HOSTAGE
An excessive amount of corporal punishment? LASHINGS
Blessing from King George 1 GRACE
Building brigades a better crossing BatterseaBridge
Charmer's target is to get firm support COBRA
Drawers accept years with deficits SHORTAGES
Flight that's a bit of a drag? SHORTHAUL
Get rid of some vegetation SCRUB
Girl from Europe wearing new brace REBECCA
High flyer in suspense? GONDOLA
High flying river guide TESTPILOT
I shall talk briefly in the passage AISLE
Clues Answers
Joint found in carpet ROAST
New head in fancy dress GARNISH
Noisy cats and dogs hold sway REIGN
Notice covered by a ship's delegates ASSIGNS
Number, say, in between INTEGER
Old vessel - cross early, but English clipper leads... XEBEC
One takes the lead from the vicar's attire DOGCOLLAR
Operator working under sudden influx SURGEON
Outgoing sort almost too much - turn aside EXTRAVERT
Part of paper clip? MAGAZINE
Sun and Express are financially sound SOLVENT
The freedom of Paris? CARTEBLANCHE
Transport strikes after a short time TRAMS
Where collections are made following fights Postboxes