7d. Maternal state? M?T?E?-??????? Obvioulsy MOTHER something!!
17a. Land in proper use (4) last letter is 3rd letter of 2nd word in 7d.
18d. Throw out but don't entirely discard (5)
21a. Withdraw to negotiate again? (7) R?T???? Retract?
23a. Trivial ill humour to half pity (5) P???? last letter is last letter of 2nd word to 7d Petty?