Sunday Times Prize Crossword 4591 Sunday May 25Th 2014

[mercedita]

16D Communist bands let free (8).

I have RELEASED but can't parse it. What are 'bands' doing there?

[scorpiojo]

Red - communist
Lease - let

[Mamyalynne]

Communist - RED
Let- LEASE

Bands is inclusion indicator

[Mamyalynne]

or containment however you like to word it.

[sandyRoe]

re lease d. could 'bands' mean surrounds here?

[Mamyalynne]

Yes that is what I meant in my tin pot way.

[mercedita]

Of course! Thank you Mamyalynne. You are always so helpful!

[Mamyalynne]

And the team too!!

[scorpiojo]

:)