THE plight of a missing Teesside man who disappeared while swimming in Laos has been raised in the House of Commons.

John-Paul Conley, from Middlesbrough, got in to difficulties while swimming in the Don Khon 4,000 Islands region on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old, who was on a 12-month trip round the world with his partner Kate Downey, had been swimming in the river in southern Laos when he went missing.

After news broke that he had gone missing, well-wishers set up an online appeal to help pay for a local helicopter to carry out sweeps of the area.

Today, MPs heard the appeal had so far raised more than £23,000 for searches.

Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop, who represents Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said the Foreign Office should provide an update on the support being offered by the Government.

In a question to Commons Leader Andrew Lansley, he said: "John-Paul Conley, from Middlesbrough, has been missing since Tuesday, November 19, when he got caught in a current and was carried away while swimming in Don Khon, 4,000 islands region in Laos. Since yesterday, over £23,000 has been raised to aid the rescue effort.

"Can we have a statement at the earliest opportunity from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in to the search and rescue attempt for John-Paul?"

In reply, Mr Lansley said he would speak to Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire, whose brief includes South-East Asia.

Mr Lansley said: "I know the House is concerned as you are concerned for your constituents. I will, if I may, talk to (Mr Swire) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and ask that he respond to you and the House as to what steps are able to be taken in this regard."