2d It could give you a reaction (6 letters) A---E-
9d. Creepy-crawlies found in taps (4 letters) --G- (is it BUGS?)
9a. Sound of McCartney's instrument designed after muffling a cellar (8 letters) ----M-N-
23a. Kind of animal story with a message - all is lost (8 letters) -A-E-O-Y