Possible Clues:

• Capable or proficient
• Clever story fellow dropped
• One-time pal of Baker and Charlie?
• Competent even when capless
• Clever second son referred to in speech
• Qualified - expert
• Sounds as if after tea you may have tea on it
• Competent, like a seaman
• Vince would be competent without conservative leader
• Word that keeps the same meaning if 'cap-' is added at the front