The Telegraph - CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO: 23,983 - Feb 20 2003

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Clues Answers
A lock up? I have to be forceful ASSERTIVE
A state spies on plant ACACIA
Bats died at the back DAFT
British birds and dogs BEAGLES
Capital invested in head of school PRINCIPAL
Carpenters have steak and kidney, say, smothered in French fries CHIPPIES
Coal, primarily, perhaps Davy's vice CLAMP
Daring to have taken a wicket, say BOLD
Directions on what to do before catching the mail SIGNPOST
Follows suit - if it is meat stew IMITATES
Goethe, at realising he holds the stage? THEATRE
Having nothing to do with the French support for identification IDLE
Horrify a friend, embracing copper APPAL
Leader of Commons' test for marine growth CORAL
Like a candle, it's both good and bad WICKED
Metal tubes get very hot PIPING
Clues Answers
Nearly got lift home with fruit RAISIN
One's promised to cook in cafe FIANCE
Prisoner found in strange piles of liquid waste SPILLAGE
Prohibit English? It's a curse BANE
Rest, and play around with a mediaeval instrument PSALTERY
Satisfied with rent in the outskirts of Pontypridd PLEASED
Science that measures one's spirits OPTICS
Suspicious about outburst, getting written assurance WARRANTY
Textile worker's rank SERGEANT
The right to sell ran chiefs ragged FRANCHISE
The way into extremely small room in church VESTRY
There's a book from it! ESTHER
Toiled, ate, worked and became pale ETIOLATED
Unknown quantity in English newspapers, say EXPRESS
What to drink - if royal turns up! LAGER
Wine drinking at home with player of note CLARINET