Across

9 Coverture [C – “Counsel’s first” (i.e. initial letter) + a synonym for “offer”. “Concerning” is the word linking the wordplay to the answer – this wordplay is about this word.]

10 Hindu [A synonym for “back” + initial letter of “up.”]

11 Torrens [An anagram – indicated by “needs to be revised” – of “or rents.”]

13 Ginseng [Anagram – indicated by “fabrication of” – of “Nines” inside – “accepted by” – GG, i.e. by Quentin Bryce.]

14 Continent [Double definition attempting to mislead by using “continent” as both adjective and noun. “Perhaps” because while Africa is a continent, not all continents are Africa.]

15 Stein [A “container” clue – “I” masquerading as “one” in “sten,” a type of gun.]

16 Assigns [A “charade” clue – two synonyms, “as” in theatrical sense of “playing the part of” and “badge” as a species of sign. While the answer is a verb – assigns – the definition (or synonym) in the wordplay – delegates – has the surface sense there of a noun. This is a common ploy in cryptics. The compiler isn’t required to specify parts of speech – he or she is, after all, trying in their quaint way to mislead the solver”]

19 Nabokov [Anagram – indicated by “kinky” – of “book” inside “van” reversed, indicated by “driven around.” Bit of good luck that Nabokov was in fact the author of a vaguely kinky book.]

22 Owned [Double definition – “owned” in two senses.]

24 Justinian [Another charade – “just” = “quite,” “in” = “popular,” “Ian” a common Scottish name that has a big role to play in cryptics.]

26 Tableau [Chemical symbol for gold following – “placed at end of” – a possible desk.]

27 Damages [Yet another charade. Is this guy kidding or something? Two synonyms. “Given” is the link word, joining the wordplay and answer given this word, then this wordplay.]

30 Sagas [A palindrome – something that can be read “either way.”]

31 No contest [You guessed it – a charade.]

Down

1 Scot.

2 Aver.

3 Briefing.

4 Pursue.

5 Deighton.

6 Chinos.

7 Knee jerk.

8 Turgenev.

12 Oboes.

16 Amortise.

17 Sandbags.

18 Sojourns.

20 Bailment.

21 Of age.

23 Dressy.

25 Seduce.

28 Glee.

29 Sits.

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For disputed returns and suggestions contact Stephen Clarke